Description
99 Decanter
This was my pick of the vintage when it was first declared in 1996, and nearly 30 years later I feel fully justified in recommending it again. Retaining its deep colour, opening up to reveal ripe, exotic aromas of gum cistus, eucalypt and mint, so very expressive of the Douro. Ripe, quite powerful and still tight-knit with lovely rich, minty fruit, broad yet firm, tannins rising to a fresh, gripping, opulent finish (especially for Dow in its customary drier style). Now glorious to drink – it should last a lifetime.
97 Wine Spectator
A blackstrap, powerful Port. Black, with intense aromas of raspberries, raisins, flowers and stems. Full-bodied and medium sweet, with a long, rich finish. Tannins pull at your palate. A wine for the future.
96 Wine Advocate
The 1994 Vintage Port is set for re-release. It has about 92 grams per liter of residual sugar. It's a beauty, with all that Dow power and structure that I've loved over the years--even after some hours of decanting. Intensely concentrated in flavor, without being jammy, this lingers on the gripping finish after starting with a touch of mint. Serious and brooding, it is not yet as complex and as developed as it could be--but this is Port and that will come in time. Be patient. In the meanwhile, if you must crack this now, give it a few hours in a decanter, to state the obvious. This is a terrific Dow's VP that is still growing and improving. It is still about its potential in some ways and it may well exceed expectations. It will certainly acquire even more complexity with more cellaring. Personally, I would try to give it at least another decade in the cellar.
Jancis Robinson
Nutmeg, star anise and damsons on the nose here. There is a silken intensity to the fruit on the palate. Chalky tannins are still present but resolving into the wine. Deep and focused, this is a rich, spicy and lightly fiery wine. Lingering dark fruit, coffee and liquorice promise a very long life ahead. 18+/20 points
