Viniou Reviews
Dow's Porto Vintage 1995 is a distinguished wine from the renowned Porto DOC appellation in Portugal, crafted with grapes originating from the celebrated Quinta do Bomfim estate. This cuvée is a blend of traditional Douro varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, and Tinta Roriz, each contributing layered complexity and structure. The 1995 vintage stands out for its elegance and ageing potential, influenced by a relatively cool growing season that provided freshness and precision. Vinified according to the classic Port method, fermentation is interrupted by the addition of grape spirit, preserving residual sugar and yielding a rich, opulent style with pronounced tannins, deep colour, and heady aromatics.
The Douro region, home to Porto wines, is marked by dramatic terraced vineyards lining the river's steep slopes. The schist-based soils promote deep root growth while the hot, dry summers and cooler winters offer excellent conditions for ripening and maintaining acidity. The history of Port is deeply intertwined with British wine trading traditions; houses like Dow’s have shaped both regional techniques and global appreciation since the 18th century, marrying Old World craftsmanship with a spirit of innovation.
A mature Vintage Port such as this pairs beautifully with robust cheeses like stilton, aged cheddar, or Portuguese queijos curados. For a classic regional touch, enjoy it alongside a walnut tart or a slice of traditional Portuguese Christmas cake, bolo rei, where the wine’s dark fruit, spice, and subtle cocoa notes accentuate the dessert’s richness. It also complements roasted nuts and dark chocolate, amplifying the fruit and warmth of the wine.
For optimum tasting, decant the wine at least two hours in advance to allow the sediment to settle and aromas to unfold fully. Serve at a cool 16-18°C, which highlights the complexity and freshness while preserving the wine's remarkable balance and depth. Drinking now offers generous pleasure, but well-stored bottles will continue to evolve gracefully for years to come.
