Dow's Vintage Port 2016 (75cl, 20%)

A declared vintage port from Portugal's Douro Valley, produced by Symington Family Estates and bottled at 20% ABV. The 2016 vintage draws heavily from the Vinha dos Ecos vineyard, where mature Touriga Franca vines were cropped at 0.68 kg per vine. The blend comprises 48% Touriga Franca and 31% Touriga Nacional, with contributions from Sousão and old mixed-vine plantings. Grapes were processed using traditional foot treading alongside modern vinification, then aged for 18 months in seasoned oak casks before bottling without filtration or fining. The nose opens with concentrated blueberry and blackberry fruit, shifting into dried flowers, violets and shale powder, with hints of orange peel and rosemary. The palate is dense and layered, with intense black cherry and cassis, touches of clove and leather, and an austere, drier profile. The finish is long, with fine-grained tannins and lingering slate, dried fruit and dark berries.