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Tasting notes
Mid ruby – a bit muddy-looking. Pungent, hot nose. Very very sticky sweet. An extreme wine that might ideally need just a little more structure for perfection. Hot finish. (JR)
Critic scores
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More reviews and scores
Very deep crimson. Extraordinarily feral/floral and liquorice. Relatively light and definitely adolescent. Tannins, but not great weight in the middle. (JR)
An evolved, less massive than normal port, the 1997 Dow's displays a dark ruby/purple color, attractive licorice, chocolate, and roasted coffee aromas, medium to full body, sweet tannin, and a moderately tannic finish. This excellent vintage port should drink well between 2004-2025. Importer: Premium Ports and Maderias, Sausalito, CA; tel. (415) 331-7675
Blackberry and plum character. Full-bodied, velvety and balanced. Lovely velvety tannins, sweet and long. Soft-textured yet fresh and racy. A beauty. This is would be better with a little more age, but already pretty. '77/'85/'97 blind Port retrospective. Best after 2009. 10,000 cases made. – James Suckling , Wine Spectator 2008