1896 Dow

[Alex Bridgeman]

While the year was clear from the wax seal over the cork, there was no identification of the shipper however two experienced members of the Port trade believed very strongly that this was a Dow.

Deep honey brown colour, very similar to the dark orange-brown patina of old polished walnut wood; 80% opaque. Very powerful nose of furniture polish, rose petals and hints of sweet smoked bacon and wood ash. So complex and mouth watering that the glass could be sniffed for ages. Beautifully balanced entry with lots of cedar spice and tobacco and a complex twist of fresh rosemary. Lovely aftertaste led by the cedar and rosemary, which gives way to an elegant and lingering finish of cedar and orange reduction. Despite its age, this is still very much alive and very tasty. 95/100. Drunk 29-Sep-16. Decanted 1 hour.