The Dow’s 1997 Vintage is an outstanding wine, made slightly drier in the classic Dow tradition, which due to its superb structure will evolve into a classic vintage port. Very dark opaque purple color, with a typically spicy nose and intense underlying aromas of blackberries and blackcurrants. On the palate enormous weight and structure with a marvellous balance of dense black fruit flavors wrapped in a tannic cloak.
Reviews
Warm and inviting, with a worn leather feel to the mix of dried anise, espresso, bittersweet cocoa, steeped fig and mulled currant notes, which move seamlessly together through the buckwheat-edged finish. There's plenty here to like now, but this has ample energy for additional development.
Mouthfilling and round, without any sharp edges, but this wine remains extremely firm and dense, with several decades of life ahead of it. Dried fig, chocolate and black licorice flavors only hint at what lies ahead
An evolved, less massive than normal port, the 1997 Dow's displays a dark ruby/purple color, attractive licorice, chocolate, and roasted coffee aromas, medium to full body, sweet tannin, and a moderately tannic finish. This excellent vintage port should drink well between 2004-2025.