Dow's Vintage Port 2000 (75cl, 20%)

Dow's Vintage Port 2000 is a declared vintage port from the Douro Valley, Portugal, bottled at 20% ABV. Dow's is one of the oldest and most distinguished port houses, now owned and managed by the Symington family. The 2000 vintage blend comprises 60% Vinha Velha (old-vine field blend), 30% Touriga Francesa and 10% Tinta Barroca, with grapes fermented in traditional lagares, roughly 25% crushed by robotic lagares. Over centuries, Dow's winemakers have evolved a house style defined by slightly longer fermentations, producing a characteristically drier port. Aroma opens with blackberry, cassis and fresh flowers, then licorice and dark plum. The palate is full-bodied, with abundant ripe blackberry, blackcurrant, plum, warm spice, hallmark Dow's licorice character, ultra-fine tannins and old-vine fruit complexity. The finish is exceptionally long, with firm, bold tannins giving way to a distinctive peppery dryness, with lingering dark spice and cassis.