1980 Smith Woodhouse vintage port

[Rune EG]

Decanted 5 hrs, which was probably a bit too much. Will try 4 hrs for next bottle. Quite a lot of small sediments at decanting. Very dark red colour with a hint of brown visible when pouring the port. Deep ripe fruit in the aroma, and with wood and minerals in the background. Full to medium body. Powerful at start (more than most vintage ports of that age), nice balance acidity/sweetness, prunes and tiny bit cocoa. Tannins very nice, and a bit “polished”. During consumption 1.5 hr this port moved a little bit up-and-down in scores (from 90 to 94). Relatively dry towards the end and with a medium length aftertaste. A very nice vintage port of nearly 40 years of age. 92 pts.

[Mahmoud Ali]

Another 1980 vintage port that stands the test of time. Initially they were not highly regarded and how I wish I hadn't heeded the critics. There are exceptions of course but in all things vinuous my mantra now is producer, priducer, producer, and ignore the vintage.

Mahmoud.