Smith Woodhouse Tasting

[John M.]

Last night we had four Smith Woodhouse Ports, a 1997, 1980 & 1994 Vintage Ports and a 2000 LBV. Overall, these showed very nicely. We were amazed generally at how dark they were--they all looked much younger than they are. The 1977 and 1980 were of similar enjoy ability, yet completely different from each other. All were decanted 12 hours. The consensus had 1977 SW was the WOTN.

1977 Smith Woodhouse Vintage Port - Very dark and young looking--deep purple crimson rim. Sweet spices on the nice--touch of grape stem. Taste offers a hint of cherry, a little mint. Rhubard hints. A lovely smooth extended finish that’s ends dry. Nicely resolved. WOTN

94 Points

1980 Smith Woodhouse Vintage Port - Very dark, rim is deep crimson with brown. Hints of berry, plum & leather emerge on the nose. Taste offers cherry, faded strawberry, allspice? a touch of mint/earthiness on a lingering finish. Far different from the 1977 SW, but equally enjoyable.

93 Points

1994 Smith Woodhouse Vintage Port - Very dark, rim is reddish crimson brown. Fruit bomb still with mashed black fruits. Still a youngster, wait at least another 10-15 years. Hints of spice over ample fruit; cherry and raspberry--tastes sweeter than the 77 & 80. A little simple. Mouth feel is full yet the finish is thin and a little tannic. Score below is how it is now--should be higher in years to come.

91 Points

2000 Smith Woodhouse LBV - Classic purple of a recently bottled port. Aromas of blackberry compote. Briar fruit, white pepper, a bit of an abrupt finish-tannic. Good fruit and could age more, yet compares as simple compared to the VPs it was up against. Sweetest of the night. A good QPR at $21.67 all in.

89 Points.

[Andy Velebil]

Fun tasting. SW is known for being a very dark colored VP.

FYI, I split these into their own TN's in the Tasting Note forum.