1996 Smith Woodhouse Madalena vintage port

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Rune EG
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1996 Smith Woodhouse Madalena vintage port

Post by Rune EG »

Decanted 5 hrs (longer time is not needed). Dark red colour with a touch of brown and a light rim. Deep aroma of ripe fruit with elements of minerals, oak and humid cellar. Medium body. Pleasant nice combination of some power and elegance in a modest way. A lot of berries in the taste, but also raisins. Nice tannins and well-structured. Good balance acidity/sweetness. Medium to long aftertaste. In my opinion this vintage port should be consumed now and latest within 3-4 years. 91 pts.
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Andy Velebil
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Re: 1996 Smith Woodhouse Madalena vintage port

Post by Andy Velebil »

Have you had the 1995? If so, curious to your thoughts on that one.
Andy Velebil Good wine is a good familiar creature if it be well used. William Shakespeare http://www.fortheloveofport.com
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Rune EG
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Re: 1996 Smith Woodhouse Madalena vintage port

Post by Rune EG »

No, never seen the 1995.
I have two more bottles of the 1996 and will enjoy them during the coming winter.
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Andy Velebil
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Re: 1996 Smith Woodhouse Madalena vintage port

Post by Andy Velebil »

Rune EG wrote:No, never seen the 1995.
I have two more bottles of the 1996 and will enjoy them during the coming winter.
I have 1995 but have never seen 1996 for sale here in the states (I'm sure it was, I just haven't seen it).

If our paths cross in the near future I'll bring a 1995 along for you to try. Last I had it was pretty good.


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Andy Velebil Good wine is a good familiar creature if it be well used. William Shakespeare http://www.fortheloveofport.com
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Rune EG
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Re: 1996 Smith Woodhouse Madalena vintage port

Post by Rune EG »

That was a good idea!
I will keep one of my 1996 waiting for such tasting to take place!
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Andy Velebil
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Re: 1996 Smith Woodhouse Madalena vintage port

Post by Andy Velebil »

Rune EG wrote:That was a good idea!
I will keep one of my 1996 waiting for such tasting to take place!
Sounds like a good plan to me :)
Andy Velebil Good wine is a good familiar creature if it be well used. William Shakespeare http://www.fortheloveofport.com
Eric Menchen
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Re: 1996 Smith Woodhouse Madalena vintage port

Post by Eric Menchen »

I too have bottles of the 1995, but haven't tasted it.
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John M.
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Re: 1996 Smith Woodhouse Madalena vintage port

Post by John M. »

Eric Menchen wrote:I too have bottles of the 1995, but haven't tasted it.
I've had it twice in the past few years...it stands out for being a very good 1995.

May 2015: Fruit forward with damson plum and cherry, a little earthy with chocolate, grape and prune. Medium finish length. 92 Points

February 2017: Faded brick Red with dark core. A soft nose of grass. Hints of licorice and white pepper with even more plum, it drinks very easy with a soft finish. Hints of chocolate. 92 Points
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Mahmoud Ali
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Re: 1996 Smith Woodhouse Madalena vintage port

Post by Mahmoud Ali »

When I first came across some 1996 Madelanas I did a bit of a search and discovered that the 1995 Madelana was supposed to be a superb port. I bought a handful of the '96s but did wish they were the '95s.

Mahmoud.
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