1977 Dow's Vintage Port

[Andy Velebil]

After spending the day at the 2007 Vintage Port release I headed back to a friends house to celebrate his birthday. I had decanted this earlier in the day and it was ready for business by the time I got back. Here is the group tasting note on this one...

The color of this is still so dark it reminds me of of a 1983 Vintage Port. A wonderful nose that has raspberry reduction sauce, soft flower pedals, and some vanilla. The palate had a bit of a hot streak at first that went away with longer air time. Lots of chocolate dominate the palate up front then some licorise and a touch of cedar that shows up on the back palate. A really enjoyable VP that is hard to put down and just screams for me to drink more, which I'm more than happy to oblige. A long finish that shows a little heat still pulls this together to be a wonderful bottle. This is still improving in the decanter and a pleasureable vintage Port. This was the perfect VP to drink at the end of a long day of young cask samples. 94+ points (group score)
04/30/09

[Roy Hersh]

i am glad to hear this was showing so nicely, as I am a huge fan of this particular bottling that I know others have occasionally found flawed, but I have had lots of luck with, always.

[michael miller]

Thanks for the note Andy. Roy, I love this wine as well but have had some vegetal bottles. And just some 'off' bottles.

Michael

[Andy Velebil]

Michael,
This vintage of Dow's does seem to have some issues, mainly a high rate of bottles being corked. Haven't had a vegetal one, but have had some seriously corked ones. But when a perfect bottle, it does shine bright. No doubt about that.