1991 Dow to sell?

[RU94]

Hi, I've recently acquired 6 bottles of Dow's 1991 vintage port, it's been properly cellared so in good condition. Only problem is I know absolutely nothing about port! So, I was just wondering if someone could be frank with me about the quality/ real value of this port? Thanks! Robbie

[g-man]

My name's not frank but I can tell you It's about 70$ retail stateside.

It's a lovely port as you can check the tasting note section of this forum and see a few of us have enjoyed it.
Pop a bottle, and enjoy one for yourself.

A retail shop in the states would probably pick this up from a private seller around 40-45$ However as 91 is still quite young and there are no significant dates coming up, I dont think you'd get many bites.

[Alex Bridgeman]

Dow 1991 is a really nice port today, but one which will probably be a little better still in 20 years. I like the suggestion that you open one and see what you think.

[RU94]

Alright, thanks a lot for the advice guys; actually hadn't really considered giving it a go myself, kinda thought it'd be wasted on an 18 year-old! But yeah I'll have a try and see what I think

[Alex Bridgeman]

It might be wasted on an 18 year old...but it might not. I was 21 before I really started to enjoy vintage port.

If you don't like it, don't get rid of it. Keep it somewhere cool, dark and undisturbed and try one again in 5 years. Then try another one 5 years after that. After 3 attempts I would reluctantly accept that there might be someone in the world who does not like my favourite drink.

You'll need to decant it before you drink it and the aging process that turns port into such a wonderful drink will also have led to some sediment forming in the bottle. If you want some simple guidance on how to do this, just ask. Vintage port is at its best in the 3 days immediately after decanting the bottle, but there are way in which you can extend this life to 2-3 weeks. Again, if you want some tips on how to do this then please ask.

And if you plan to drink the whole bottle yourself in a single evening (not necessarily recommended!), please drink masses of water. To drink a bottle of port by yourself you should plan on also drinking 8 bottles of water. That will keep you active in running to the bathroom, but will also mean you wake up the following morning with not much of a hangover!

[djewesbury]

RU94, sorry, but AHB is clearly raving here. There's no way you should touch these bottles, latest advice from the GMC shows that VP can be very harmful to 18-year-olds. Please, leave this onerous and perilous task to someone older. I volunteer.