DOW

From a small but magnificent estate in the Douro Superior, much of it south facing. This wine came from the old, inter-planted vineyards and relatively late picked Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca picked on 23rd and 30th September respectively. The grapes were foot trodden in the traditional manner in small granite lagares at the quinta. Very low yields: just 0.65 kg per vine. Deep, dense, brooding aromas, even after two days on ullage; seemingly rich and succulent initially with ripe plum and berry fruit compote, well-structured with a big, bold and rather austere, dry but powerful tannic finish. Foursquare. Very typically Dow in style, works well in a super-ripe vintage like this. 700 cases produced. Rating: 17 Richard Mayson, www.richardmayson.com  (Sept 2017)

Very dark purple even though 20% of the volume is colourless spirit! Rich, buttery nose with a hint of balsam. Some high-toned floral aromas too. Not that heavy or dense on the palate and very dry finish. Very Dow! Neat and long term. Drinking range: 2028 - 2042 Rating: 17.5 Jancis Robinson OBE MW - www.JancisRobinson.com (Jul 2017)

Wonderfully aromatic with dark berry and stone character. Violets as well. Full to medium body. Precise and focused tannins. Lightly sweet. Ripe fruit and chocolate undertones. Firm and rich. 700 cases. Needs at least five years of bottle age. Rating: 93 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (May 2017)