Dow’s Vintage Porto 2016 | 750 ml.

RP93 Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate 19th Jul 2018

"The 2016 Vintage Port, bottled in May for release in October 2018, is mostly a 48/31 blend of Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional, with various other grapes and some very old vines for the rest. It comes in with 111 grams of residual sugar. This is a very elegant Dow’s, but there is certainly both power and concentration lurking underneath. Adding fine fruit, it is expressive and sophisticated, a very refined offering that seems not quite as burly as in some years. It is still exceptionally appealing, but it was curiously understated when seen. Some bottle shock, perhaps? The fresh 2016 Vintage? This is an illustration of Charles Symington’s philosophy, as relayed to me, that the “wines should be in harmony from the first day.” I don’t think this will be a great Dow’s, but it is an enjoyable one. If it wakes up, it might be entitled to an uptick. For the moment, between the top blends in the Symington stable, I’d lean to Graham’s as the best in this vintage. Both are easily outclassed by the single-plot wines. There were 5,480 cases produced." (93 pts.)

SP98 Wine Spectator Dec 31, 2018

"This packs a lot of fun, with a wallop of blackberry, fig, boysenberry and açai berry compote flavors working together, laced with a mouthwatering licorice snap note and driven by a fresh, well-detailed finish. A roasted apple wood accent is integrated as well, lending textural contrast through the vivacious finish. Best from 2030 through 2055. 350 cases made, 183 cases imported." (98 pts.)

WE97 Wine Enthusiast 12/1/2018

"Very floral, intense and ripe, this is a wine that is based around big black fruits as well as fine acidity. It is obviously destined for long aging with its powerful dry tannins and perfumed acidity. Drink this wine from 2028." (97 pts.)

WS93 Wine & Spirits December 1, 2018

"Blended from Bomfim in the Cima Corgo, and Señora de Ribeira in the Douro Superior, this vintage is prettier than most young Dow’s of the past. The fruit feels cooler than most of the other top wines of 2016, with red and purple highlights, both in flavor and in floral scents. Alcohol warms the finish, but it’s the impression of luscious fruit and flowers that lasts. Rich and complete, this is a wine for the long haul." (93 pts.)