A highly-regarded part of the Symington family's extensive holdings, with two famous Quintas contributing to powerful, long-lived vintage ports. The house is unusual, in that it was set up in London by a Portuguese merchant, rather than the other way around. During the Napoleonic Wars, Dow's merchant vessels were armed, and sailed under letters of marque from the British government. The estate suffered with the arrival of Phylloxera, but remains one of the most highly regarded producers in the Douro. Dow's Quinta do Bomfim is a classic riverside estate, with south-facing exposure and steeply sloping vineyards planted on well-drained schist soils. Altitude rises from 120 to 340 metres above sea-level.

Produced in years when Dow's does not declare a Vintage, a selection of wines from the Bomfim estate is bottled as a single-quinta vintage. Spice and black pepper flavours provide balance to rich dark chocolate, with maple, raisins and ripe blackberries providing excellent fruit-character. Elegant and poised, it lingers warmly on the palate.

Perfect as a post-dinner treat, excellent with chocolate desserts.

This wine will last and indeed develop in the bottle for up to 40 years.