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Part of a vertical of Dow, and two bottles of Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira, on Tuesday 7th September 2010, at The Crusting Pipe. Links:

• Review of the evening as a whole;
• Placemats;
• Dow 1958;
• Dow 1963;
• Dow 1966;
• Dow 1970;
• Dow 1972;
• Dow 1977;
• Dow 1980;
• Dow 1983;
• Dow 1985;
• Dow 1991;
• Sandeman 1982 (a late addition, replacing a Dow 1994, a Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira 2006, and a Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira 2008);
• Planning and arrangements.

From memory (left the tasting notes at the table again): Dark tawny colour, light and very nicely balanced but possibly on its way down.

Mature red in colour. Lovely smooth redcurrants on the nose, with delicious all spice mixed in. Initial impact is dominated by ripe fruit. Beautiful balance and complexity. Great depth and density on the palate. Very dry; mouthfilling and gorgeous with fully resolved tannins. Sweet and fruity aftertaste, again very dry. Finish dominated by Maraschino cherry and dark chocolate. 90/100. Drunk 7 September 2010.