1966 Dow’s Vintage Port

BY JOSH RAYNOLDS | JANUARY 06, 2020

Despite their extremely high quality, the vintage Ports of 1966 have, and probably always will, live in the shadow of the monumental 1963s. The region enjoyed a fabulous growing season and the vintage was declared (meaning that a vintage-dated wine was bottled) by virtually every producer in the region, which was a less-common occurrence back then than it is now. Nineteen sixty-six has long been an undervalued year for Port, especially given the across-the-board quality of the wines, many of which can stand toe-to-toe with their 1963 siblings.

Dow’s 1966 Vintage Port is a gorgeous example of the year, offering intense, deeply concentrated cherry liqueur, toffee, candied fig, maple syrup, datecake and membrillo qualities and a vibrant, spicy overtone. Silky and seamless in texture and finely detailed, the 1966 seduces with its balance and elegance rather than opulence and power, which is fully in keeping with the house style. Its intense sweetness is mitigated by its sharp delineation and energy. I have no doubt it will outlive 1962-vintage people like me. This is a wonderfully flexible Port to serve with all sorts of not-too-sweet, savory desserts and, especially, mild cow’s milk blue cheeses. 97/Drink 2020-2040.