Dow's 1994 Vintage Port / Library Release: Deep and Contemplative
Fortified 20% ABV ABV Dow's
18 December 2025
This is what port should be
I've been drinking port for years and this is up there with the best I've had. That Touriga Nacional really shows through — proper depth and structure. The saline note on the mid-palate is something else, keeps a wine this old tasting completely alive. Worth saving up for.
8 December 2025
Genuinely surprised me
I'm not usually a port person but we had this after dinner at a friend's house and I couldn't stop thinking about it. There's a saltiness to it that cuts through all the richness and keeps it interesting. Went out and bought a bottle the next week. Dark chocolate and hazelnuts basically — like drinking a posh chocolate bar.
30 November 2025
Good but not £132 good
Tried this at a tasting event and thought it was really nice — lovely butterscotch smell and a long warm finish. But I've had ports at half the price that I've enjoyed just as much honestly. If someone else is buying, brilliant. If it's my money I'd probably look elsewhere.
13 November 2025
Paired it with stilton, no regrets
Had this with a cheese board after Sunday roast and it was spot on with the blue cheese. It's rich but not heavy if that makes sense? The finish goes on forever in a nice gentle way. Would love to try more Dow's stuff now.
25 October 2025
Slow sipper for a cold night
The wine shop guy recommended this when I said I wanted something special for Christmas Eve. He was right — it's the kind of thing you pour a small glass of and just sit with. The dried apricot and caramel on the finish kept me coming back for another sip. Lasted me three evenings which at that price is probably a good thing.
12 October 2025
Nice enough, expected more at this price
Saw this on a restaurant menu and split a glass with my partner. It's smooth and the butterscotch nose is lovely, warming finish too. But for what they were charging I wanted to be blown away and I wasn't quite. Maybe I'd feel differently with a full bottle at home rather than a tiny restaurant pour.
30 September 2025
Birthday treat that delivered
Got this as a 30th birthday present to myself because I figured a 30-year-old port for a 30-year-old felt right. The chocolate and walnut thing going on is gorgeous, and there's this salty quality I wasn't expecting that stops it feeling too sweet. At £132 it's not an everyday thing but for a special occasion it's properly memorable.