Dow's 2011 (750ML)

99 WS / 96-98 WA / 97+ VM / 19 JR / 96 WE / 96 JS

Powerful, refined and luscious, with a surplus of dark plum, kirsch and cassis flavors that are unctuous and long. Shows plenty of grip, presenting a long, full finish, filled with Asian spice and raspberry tart accents. Rich and chocolaty. One for the ages. Best from 2030 through 2060. 5,000 cases made. - KM, Wine Spectator

The 2011 Dow Vintage Port was made from no less than 44 separate ferments from finest fruit sourced from Quinta do Bomfim (35% of the blend), Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira (42%) and the Santinho (14%) and Cerdeira (6%) estates. Just six of the best lots were used in the final blend, which consists of 40% Touriga Franca, 36% Touriga Nacional, 10% Sousao and 14% of old vine plantings. It has a beautiful, quite extravagant bouquet with copious black and red fruit, Indian spice, and hints of menthol and orange rind that unfold wonderfully in the glass. The palate is a sumptuous affair, one that is beautifully balanced with velvety smooth, plump tannins, copious black fruit with a harmonious, white pepper-tinged finish that is a decadent delight. This is one of the finest of the declarations of 2011 Vintage Ports, a sublime expression of the vintage you would be foolish not to buy. This is Dow at its best. 5,000 cases have been declared. Tasted May 2013. - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate

Declared in 2013. This has appreciated more than any other vintage port, three times since launch (£54 to £180 a bottle). Syms have only 300 or 400 cases left.
Very dark purple. Massive and great combination of ripe fruit and very fine tannins. So chewy but wonderfully concentrated. Refined and dry and with lots of fine, dry tannins. - Jancis Robinson

Cellar Selection. A powerfully dense wine, solidly based on dry tannins and rich black fruit. Structure, fruit and acidity all come together in a wine that shows immense potential as well as a softer side now.  - RV, Wine Enthusiast

A firm and very silky young Port showing an ultra-fine texture that caresses. Tight and dense with a powerful center palate and a fresh finish. Better in 2022 but delicious already. - James Suckling