At a glance

Producer

Dow's

Region

Douro Valley, Portugal

Grape variety

Traditional Port grape blend (Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Cão)

Wine type

Fortified

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Sweet

Typical price

$100 - $160

Tasting profile

Intense black fruit (blackberry, black cherry), cassis, dark chocolate, licorice, with robust tannins and minerality

Evolution: Will develop complex tertiary aromas like dried fruit, tobacco, leather, and spice over 10-20 years

At peak: Rich, velvety texture with harmonized fruit and aged complexity, very long finish

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high, vibrant freshness balances sweetness

Tannins

High, firm and structured

Alcohol

Approximately 20% ABV

Aging potential

40-60+ years with proper cellaring

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2054

Optimal window

2025 to 2057

Current status

Approaching early maturity, can be enjoyed young for vibrancy but benefits significantly from aging

Current condition

Young, powerful tannins and concentrated fruit with evolving complexity

The 2017 Dow's Vintage Port comes from an exceptional Douro vintage with ideal ripeness and balance, allowing the wine to mature gracefully over decades. Its structured tannins and robust acidity make it highly age-worthy, reaching peak drinking approximately 15-30 years post-vintage, with longevity well beyond 40 years.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with rich blue cheeses (Stilton), dark chocolate desserts, roasted nuts, game meats, and rich stews. Also ideal as a contemplative sipper.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C (61-64°F)

Decant

Yes (30-60 minutes) — To soften youthful tannins and allow primary fruit aromas to open

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Use of precision viticulture to reduce water and chemical inputs, renewable energy use increasing, traditional dry farming supplemented with drip irrigation in select parcels

Dow's maintains a commitment to sustainable viticulture with emphasis on reducing environmental impact through water conservation, energy efficiency, and minimal chemical use. While not certified organic, their integrated approach and Douro’s old vine dry farming reduce inputs. The fortified wine’s global export generates some carbon emissions, but investments in efficient shipping and lightweight bottles help mitigate footprint.