Dow’s is known for producing ports of intensity and focus from their two quintas, Bomfim and Ribeira. In 2016, these two parcels came together to create a wine with effusive black fruit, obvious minerality and floral undertones; finishing with loads of herbal qualities. Plum, blackberry, lavender and violet show with cracked black pepper and fennel, while distinctive Douro schist minerality leads into classic dried brush notes from the region’s native esteva plant. The latter was so tremendously unique and appealing that I couldn’t resist placing it into this presell.