1966 Dow

Tasted blind. Nice depth of black pepper and sweet spices, with a herbal edge and some dark-chocolate notes. Figgy, spicy, sweet-but-not-sweet palate that’s working in harmony. A touch of tannins too suggest that it has time on its side as well. Great length. (TJ)

Dow’s 1966 Vintage Port is a gorgeous example of the year, offering intense, deeply concentrated cherry liqueur, toffee, candied fig, maple syrup, datecake and membrillo qualities and a vibrant, spicy overtone. Silky and seamless in texture and finely detailed, the 1966 seduces with its balance and elegance rather than opulence and power, which is fully in keeping with the house style. Its intense sweetness is mitigated by its sharp delineation and energy. I have no doubt it will outlive 1962-vintage people like me. This is a wonderfully flexible Port to serve with all sorts of not-too-sweet, savory desserts and, especially, mild cow’s milk blue cheeses.

This is an extraordinary house that seems to have been particularly successful with its vintage port since 1977.The 1966 is a top success for that vintage; in fact, it would be hard to find a better port from that year.