1997 Smith Woodhouse Vintage Port

[Eric Menchen]

I had planned a slightly longer decant time, but forces beyond my control intervened

+3 hours: Very dark garnet color, almost inky-black purple; ruby at the rim with only a very slight tint of orange-brown. Fruity sweet aroma with peppery spice. In the mouth the spiciness was still there with raisin fig flavors. There was a bit more acid than I would have liked, and a hint of orange citrus. Tannins were moderate and fine. Overall it just didn't seem all that complex or integrated. The finish was medium long, with a bit of burn from the alcohol.

+12 hours: Just took some whiffs this morning. Aroma first showed some mixed berry--blueberry, blackberry, maybe boysenberry. Shortly thereafter I thought this had changed to more of a black currant aroma. Orange citrus that was hinted at last night is definitely there today.

I opened this because I was considering it to serve to others at a tasting, but I'm going to pass on it for now. I don't know when it will be ready and for how many years it will last, but my impression now is that it isn't ready yet. It needs time to integrate, and hopefully the acid will fade behind other flavors and sensations. I'll taste again this evening, and perhaps with more decant time my opinion will change. We'll see ...

[Roy Hersh]

SW usually makes big bad bruisers and I have a feeling that if you don't give up on this young pup, it will reward your patience. Hey, even the 1977 is still purplish and brawny. 1997 was a tannic year when these were young. I know Derek and others who feel '97s lack the lasting power, so we'll have to wait and see. But your bottle should be afforded more time. I am anxious to hear how it pans out this evening.

[Eric Menchen]

+22 hours: Took a few sips before serving with a cheese course, and didn't take detailed notes along with that, as I figured it would affect my impressions. I can say that both my wife and I agreed this was much nicer than the night before. In the mouth it just seemed more whole. The finish still had a little heat, but not the burn from the previous day. I'm still not going to serve this to others in my May tasting, but I have renewed optimism for my remaining bottles, and might pick up a few more if I see them at a good price.

[Eric Menchen]

+52 hours: Not surprisingly, past its peak which was last night. A slight medicinal alcohol aroma. Taste had a little tawny character. Finished it off instead of pushing it for another night :)

[Roy Hersh]

I am happy to hear that the evening after ... this bottle showed at its best. I am not surprised and actually expected that to be the case. Good to hear you and Marjike wound up enjoying this one after all.