Handford Wines

Today Silva & Cosens forms part of the largest Port shipping business in Oporto, and individually ranks third in terms of overall turnover and stock holding. The stocks alone amount to over 21 million litres of Port of which, under the law laid down by the IVP, one third is shipped throughout the world. The single biggest part being shipped under the Dow’s name – a brand that continues to enjoy the high reputation it did when Ramsay Dow merged Dow & Co with Silva & Cosens back in 1877. In 1998, the Bicentenary of the founding of the company, a new milestone was reached with the re-acquisition of Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira. This outstanding property was originally acquired by Dow's in 1890, but was sold in 1954 when the Port trade was at its lowest point and when many Port companies either closed down or were sold. Situated in one of the most beautiful positions of the upper Douro valley above the river and facing the historic Quinta do Vesuvio (also owned by the Symington family), this Quinta produces some of the very finest Port in the Douro

The Wine

Very deep, bright black/ruby. Beautifully clean and even nose showing soft tea and vanilla; blackberry and apple; coffee and a touch of liquorice. This complexity is matched on the palate, which is opulent and concentrated. The wine is ripe, but not over-ripe and gives blackberry, strawberry and prune fruit with a backbone of ripe tannins and vanilla. There is an unusual, mineral finish. Outstanding quality.

Single Bottle: £45.00

In a case of 12: £42.75