“This was my pick of the vintage when it was first declared in 1996, and nearly 30 years later I feel fully justified in recommending it once again. Retaining its deep colour, opening up to reveal ripe, exotic aromas of gum cistus, eucalypt and mint, so very expressive of the Douro. Ripe, quite powerful and still tight-knit with lovely rich, minty fruit, broad yet firm tannins rising to a fresh, gripping, opulent finish (especially for Dow in its customary drier style). Now glorious to drink – it should last a lifetime.”
99 Points, Richard Mayson, Decanter (tasted Nov 2023)