1998 Dow Bomfim, decanted 12:30. This the decanter-priming sample, at d + 10 minutes. 80% opacity; deep red. Nosing of plums and tannin. To taste super-cloying, needing lots of decanter time. Maybe this should have been decanted yesterday. No, definitely not: if it had been, it would have been drunk yesterday.
Costing €25 at the Epicerie Anglaise, 6 boulevard Magenta.
1998 Dow Bomfim, D + 11 hours. Dark red, 90% opacity. Nosing of plums and structure. In the mouth dry, with plums, consistent from start to long finish. Good weight. Lovely juice. Needs another day in the decanter, or 5+ years in the cellar.
I find 1998 ports, in general, to be in a very drinkable part of their evolution at the moment. A very fortunate discover at a price that seems extremely fair.
Top Ports in 2023: Taylor 1896 Colheita, b. 2021. A perfect Port.
2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.