1983 Smith Woodhouse Vintage Port

Written by Roy Hersh

Tuesday, 22 April 2008

1983 Smith Woodhouse Vintage Port - dark burgundy red and still opaque. This is such a fine drink and one of the better shippers for this particular vintage, certainly in the top half dozen. The nose is friendly now, 9 hours after it was opened and showed a significant spirity streak. Fresh floral fragrances and a dark note of tar, black pepper and licorice. The mouth is rich and round with a modicum of acidity balanced by fine and drying tannins which are quite prevalent upon swallowing. Mouthfilling full bore flavors of dark cherry and ripe blackberry fruit supported by a backdrop of herbs and spice. This is showing very young today and typically does. I always enjoy this Smith Woodhouse as it is packed with flavor and structure to carry it for a few more decades. If you don't have more than a bottle or two, leave them rest! 92+ points 4/18/08