TNR: 1985 Smith Woodhouse VP

[Robert O.]

My local retailer has been making an effort to step up their port offerings and this 1985 VP has appeared. I know some of the 1985's are great and others are a little wanting. Not sure which this is so thought I'd throw it out to the group before purchasing.

[Steven Kooij]

My TN here. I'd pass, unless it was REALLY cheap.

[Robert O.]

Thanks, Steven. No, it was not particularly cheap. I guess I will pass unless others have had better experiences.

[SEAN C.]

I've never had the 1985 Smith Woodhouse but if it's selling for $40-$55 I would probably give it a try. I would say $65-70 is a little too high but not outrageous.

[Paul Eddy]

I have had several bottles of this wine over the years, 6 to be precise. I bought nine bottles back in the late nineties and tried them about once a year. The first 4 bottles I found a little thin and with bitter tannins; an acceptable drink but I was glad I got them cheap. However the last two bottles tasted last year were a big improvement. The wine had put on weight, was fruitier, sweeter and a lovely drop. I do not know if it is bottle variation or if the wine is improving. They have been kept in a temperature controlled cellar since I bought them. Based on this I would try a bottle or two especially if the storage has been good. Hope this helps.

Paul.

[Moses Botbol]

I've never had the 1985 Smith Woodhouse but if it's selling for $40-$55 I would probably give it a try. I would say $65-70 is a little too high but not outrageous.

I haven't had good luck with SW VP's and recollect I did have the '85 about 6-7 years ago; not too memorable... For under $50, I'd give it a go though.

Convince your local retail that $50 is all it's worth...

[Robert O.]

It's selling for $66. There seems to be a consensus that this is too much. I am fairly friendly with the the wine store owner and I am guessing that I literally account for about 90% of all of their port sales so maybe I can convince them to sell it to me for $50. Since I am new to port it would be worth my while just to try it, even if it isn't that great.

I've also heard some VA concerns with regard to this port...

[SEAN C.]

It's selling for $66. There seems to be a consensus that this is too much. I am fairly friendly with the the wine store owner and I am guessing that I literally account for about 90% of all of their port sales so maybe I can convince them to sell it to me for $50. Since I am new to port it would be worth my while just to try it, even if it isn't that great.

I've also heard some VA concerns with regard to this port...

I definitely thing $50 is worth it!

[Mark DaSilva]

We sell it for $69.99 and it scored 90 points by Robert Parker. I tend to like some other Smith Woodhouse ports but admit not having tried this one. Its not a super seller, by any means. So far, no complaints by our customers though.

Interesting responses from you guys. Makes me wonder if I need to lower the price...

[Robert O.]

I was just eyeing this bottle again today. I think I will go over there again later and see if they will give me my money back if it turns out to be corked. I certainly would like to try it but don't want to spend a lot of money on something that has a good chance of being dissapointing

[Gary Banker]

I bought a case of the 1985 Smith Woodhouse in 2002 and drank the last bottle a little over a year ago. They consistently had good fruit and the alcohol and tannins were well integrated and subdued. All in all, the 1985 was a good everyday port. I paid $35 a bottle. I would not pay over $50 at this time.

Gary