I seem to
be one of the few wine writers I know who really appreciates Port and dessert
wines. I love them. And it’s NOT about a sweet tooth, a sugary drink, it’s an
appreciation of what balance, finely crafted winemaking and several hundred
years of history can produce. Many of my colleagues appear to tolerate it, some
even have disdain for it. But one of the great joys of the wine world is Port –
true Port from Portugal - and Dow’s has been at the process since 1798. With
redefined packaging their 10 Year is available and ready to convert wine
drinkers into Port lovers.
The
immediate sensation on the nose is one of candied cranberry – a supremely
satisfying aroma perhaps remanding you of Thanksgiving or Christmas. But this
isn’t a holiday wine. That first sip is not a sweet bomb, but a measured
amalgam of leather, tobacco, black cherry compote, blueberry and dried
cranberry. What’s remarkable about the 10 is that you are introduced to Port in
proper fashion, realizing it’s not a one trick sweet pony. About the third and
fourth sips you begin to notice the acidity – bright and clean – the light
sweetness, the layers of fruit and wood flavors, the utter enjoyment of a
beverage that offers many dimensions, but does not overwhelm you. You don’t
need to worry about decanting, and this will last a month after it has been
opened. So go procure some Port and start experiencing what you’ve been
missing.
ORIGIN:
Upper Douro
Valley, Portugal
ALCOHOL: 20%
PRICE: $37/ 750ML
SCORE: 91 POINTS
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