1985 Smith Woodhouse Vintage Port

[Stewart T.]

• 1985 Smith Woodhouse Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto
  Amber brown in color with fine wisps of sediment in the bottom of the glass. Some spice, woody notes and some red fruit notes. Balanced red fruit with notable acidity on the mid-palette. Medium long finish. (90 pts.) (2/18/2023)

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[Andy Velebil]

I assume not a good bottle? This is usually very dark and primary still.

[Stewart T.]

My last two times with this wine haven’t been what I normally expect in terms of scores or quality. I am starting to wonder if some of the 1985s are starting tip over the edge of the long plateau they have been on. Certainly some producers are exceptions, but I have had more misses in recent tastings of 1985s than I would have expected. Could also be a run of bad luck with slightly off bottles.

[Andy Velebil]

My last two times with this wine haven’t been what I normally expect in terms of scores or quality. I am starting to wonder if some of the 1985s are starting tip over the edge of the long plateau they have been on. Certainly some producers are exceptions, but I have had more misses in recent tastings of 1985s than I would have expected. Could also be a run of bad luck with slightly off bottles.

Do you think they’ve gone into an awkward stage? Much like the 1960’s and ‘63’s did some
Years ago?

[Stewart T.]

That is entirely possible. I hope that was the case with this one because I am generally a big fan of the SW 85 (and GC 85)

[Andy Velebil]

That is entirely possible. I hope that was the case with this one because I am generally a big fan of the SW 85 (and GC 85)

Though I do recall early this year we did a flight of GC in the 80’s and IIRC the 1985 was the most advanced of the trio, even though it was the youngest in age.

[David Spriggs]

That is entirely possible. I hope that was the case with this one because I am generally a big fan of the SW 85 (and GC 85)

I am generally a big fan of the SW 85 as well. Mine are dark and still tannic... but need a long decant.