For The Love Of Port

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.

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

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

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 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.

SEAN C. wrote: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...

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...

Robert O. wrote: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!

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...

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

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