Viniou Reviews
Dow’s Quinta do Bomfim 1998 is a distinguished vintage Port from one of Portugal’s most esteemed producers, renowned for its robust style and ageing potential. Crafted predominantly from classic Douro grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, and Tinta Roriz, this cuvée is sourced from the historic Quinta do Bomfim vineyard, which lies at the heart of the Douro Valley. The 1998 vintage benefited from a warm and consistent growing season, contributing depth and concentration to the wine. Traditional foot-treading in granite lagares is employed during vinification, extracting impressive colour and structure, followed by ageing in large oak barrels in the cool Dow’s cellars before eventual bottling.
The Douro region, one of the world’s oldest demarcated wine areas, is celebrated for its dramatic terraced vineyards carved into steep schistous slopes along the river. This unique terroir ensures excellent drainage and forces the vines deep, yielding grapes of exceptional intensity. The arid climate, with scorching summers and cold winters, and the mineral-rich soils, contribute complexity, power, and the longevity for which great Ports are famed. Historically, Porto DOC wines— fortified to ensure stability on long sea voyages—have been a symbol of the region’s vitality and heritage for centuries.
Dow’s 1998, with its profound colour and aromas of black fruits, dried figs, violets, and subtle cocoa, matches beautifully with hearty, flavourful dishes. For a classic pairing, serve it alongside rich blue cheeses like Stilton or Portuguese Queijo de São Jorge. Dark chocolate desserts, especially those using bittersweet chocolate, or a fig and walnut tart, will also highlight the wine’s luscious sweetness and spice. For something regional, try it with a Portuguese almond cake (Bolo de Amêndoa) or after a traditional meal of roast lamb.
To fully appreciate this vintage Port’s complexity, decant it carefully to remove sediment, and serve at a slightly cool room temperature, ideally between 16-18°C. This allows the wine’s bouquet to open up while maintaining its structure and freshness.
