This is an extraordinary house that seems to have been particularly successful with its vintage port since 1977.The 1985 is dark-ruby/purple with a rather closed one-dimensional aroma. On the palate, this Dow is restrained, but rich, tannic, and full-bodied, yet not nearly as concentrated as one would expect. Have I missed something?

A good choice for current consumption, the 1985 Dow’s shows a touch of bricking to go along with developed aromas of cedar, clove and cinnamon. Cherry, plum, fennel and dried spice notes finish with a hint of toffee. Drink now–2015.——W.E.(3/1/2008)—— 88