For The Love Of Port

I recently had the 2003 Dows LBV. So while it was fresh in my mind, I got a 2004. I paid $19, I opened the bottle six hours ahead of drinking (4 seems to be the minimum to me for Dows LBVs). The same grapey, dark fruit taste. Nose is not strong; similary dark fruit and grapey. Nice color. The taste starts out similar to 2003, but the finish is mellower and more pleasing-a bit of tannins and bite but not overpowering. Overall, I give this a 17 out of 20 (with the 2003 at 15); plus its cheaper than the 2003.

Three days later I finished the bottle (I did put the T-Cork back in afterthe initial tasting). The finish was even smoother. Still at 17 out of 20. This is pretty good as an every-dayer.

93 points

Great note John, and I love the 2003 Dow too. The 2004 is also very good. I think the troika of vintages 03/04/05 are going to be excellent for LBVs and all should be quite ageworthy. 2006, not so much.