1998 Dow Senhora da Ribeira

[Alex Bridgeman]

The first vintage released under the Senhora da Ribeira label. A deep brick-red colour with a wide rim and an opaque centre. Light on the nose showing a little gentle sweet raspberry. Sweet on entry with clover honey with soft candied red fruits. Gentle tannins provide some focus but overall this is a light, elegant and very balanced initial palate that delivers a lovely complexity on the late palate. The finish is sweet and a little bit cloying but perfumed and long. At this stage this port is lacking acidity to be well balanced but is very enjoyable to drink today. 86/100. 24-Feb-16.