Dow's 20-Year Tawny Port (Portugal)
Producer Notes: "20 Years" indicates and average age – this Aged Tawny Port is a blend of older wines, which offer complexity and younger wines, which bring fresh fruit flavors and vibrancy. During their long maturing period in oak casks, Aged Tawnies undergo subtle color changes: the deep red hue which characterizes Port's youth gradually gives way to a paler golden amber color. Dow's is known for its characteristically drier house style. This 20 Year has a full, nutty bouquet, concentrated, citrus, almond and caramel notes on the palate and a lingering finish. Many consider the 20 Year to be the perfect blend of complexity and vibrant fruit when it comes to Aged Tawny.
Dow's 20 Year is bottled ready to drink after an average of at least 20 years of cask aging. It has a t-cap closure, which means that you don't need a corkscrew to open it and that it will stay fresh for four to six months if stored in a cool, dark place or refrigerator. Serve it in a glass with at least a six ounce capacity so that you may appreciate the wine's aromas. Dow's 20 Year is delicious when paired with soft ripened cheeses, flan or fruit tarts. In warmer months, try it chilled for a refreshing dessert in a glass.
Decanter, 94 Points: Attractively full in style for a 20YO. Subtle toffee and cream aromas, rich and broad palate, marmalade bite at the end.
Jame Suckling, 94 Points: Attractive aromas of walnut, candied orange peel, nutmeg and dried flowers. Toffee, too. It’s delicate and creamy with a salted caramel and dried apricot character. Moderate sweetness with a lengthy, polished finish. Shows some tannins.
Wine Spectator, 93 Points: Juicy and lively in feel, with flan, date, persimmon and caramel notes weaving around each other, backed by a racy bitter almond accent on the finish. There’s lots to like here. Drink now.
Wine Enthusiast, 91 Points: Soft in texture yet mouthcoating in its intensity, this is a honeyed, nutty wine filled with dried fruit, toffee and almond butter aromas and flavors. Like all tawnies, it won't improve with bottle age, so drink this while your young vintage Ports hog the cellar space.
