1998 Dow Bomfim

[RonnieRoots]

From half bottle, from the same batch as this bottle. On the first day showing very similar to the bottle opened in 2008: green, dry, harsh, hot and disjointed. The dark chocolate and cocoa had evolved a bit, now showing more sour cherries. I didn't find it especially pleasant at this point and decided to keep most of the bottle for later tasting.

Now, three days later, it is less hot, so that's a plus. But that's about all. A weird combination of smells: cooked cabbage and paint (but not really VA). A bit softer to taste, but still dry and bitter. Some attractive flavours, but a hollow, flat ending.

At this point I wouldn't recommend this port to anyone. And seeing how it evolved in the past two years doesn't really make me hopeful for its future development. Not one of the better Bomfims.

[RonnieRoots]

This didn't get better on day 4 and 5. I don't have high hopes for my remaining bottles...

[angeleyes]

I've got a lone bottle somewhere - keep a while longer? Or palm off to an unsuspecting relative at Christmas?

[RonnieRoots]

I would say it's the perfect Christmas present for someone who doesn't have a clue about vintage port.