The principal varietals that make up the 2011 are the violety, silky Touriga Franca (40%), the finely balanced Touriga Nacional (36%) which lends tannic structure and fresh acidity, and a small amount of the deep coloured Sousão (10%) as well as 14% of old mixed plantings. In terms of the vineyard components, Dow’s own Quinta do Bomfim, with its typical aromas of figs and cocoa powder, represents 35% of the blend, whereas the floral and aromatic, super-concentrated wines from Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira makes up an additional 42%. Further Douro Superior character is lent by components from Quinta do Santinho (14%) and Quinta da Cerdeira (9%), two vineyards in close proximity to Senhora da Ribeira which are owned by members of the Symington family and managed by Dow’s.
The principal varietals that make up the 2011 are the violety, silky Touriga Franca (40%), the finely balanced Touriga Nacional (36%) which lends tannic structure and fresh acidity, and a small amount of the deep coloured Sousão (10%) as well as 14% of old mixed plantings.
Reviews
Powerful, refined and luscious, with a surplus of dark plum, kirsch and cassis flavors that are unctuous and long. Shows plenty of grip, presenting a long, full finish, filled with Asian spice and raspberry tart accents. Rich and chocolaty. One for the ages. Best from 2030 through 2060. 5,000 cases made. –KM
It has a beautiful, quite extravagant bouquet with copious black and red fruit, Indian spice, and hints of menthol and orange rind that unfold wonderfully in the glass. The palate is a sumptuous affair, one that is beautifully balanced with velvety smooth, plump tannins, copious black fruit with a harmonious, white pepper-tinged finish that is a decadent delight. This is one of the finest of the declarations of 2011 Vintage Ports, a sublime expression of the vintage you would be foolish not to buy. This is Dow at its best.
All the elements are there, from plump, superripe fruit to polished schist tannins, suspended in a round, complete integration that refuses to break apart. Smoky, bright, luscious and bold, it’s a wine that’s easy to imagine being still fresh and complex at 50 years old, and it’s not a reach to believe it will live well to 80 or 100.
CELLAR SELECTION - A powerfully dense wine, solidly based on dry tannins and rich black fruit. Structure, fruit and acidity all come together in a wine that shows immense potential as well as a softer side now.