1994 Smith Woodhouse Vintage Port

[Lamont Huxley]

These notes were taken after 72+ hours in the decanter -

Dark maroon, almost purple, turning a medium burgundy on the rim. On the first night I could barely get anything at all from the nose, it was really closed up. The palate was very ungiving as well. On night three the nose is still really tight but there is some dark fruit there - raspberry/blueberry - and a faint earthy/floral aspect, but it takes a lot of swirling and effort to pick up anything. The palate comes off nearly as closed as the nose. There's a good mouthfeel and medium/full weight to it but again it's hard to discern much flavor-wise other than general dark fruit. Other than a little raw spirit showing on the back of the palate it's well balanced with a medium-long finish that's vaguely chocolatey.

I get the sense that this is a solid port that's just at an awkward point in its development. After recently reading the thread concerning ports going through a "dumb" phase, I'm wondering if that isn't what's happening with this particular port. It seems to be well put together, and even though it's not very expressive at the moment, you can almost sense that there's more beneath the surface that just needs time to resolve. If I had to take a guess I'd say that in another 5 or 10 years this will be drinking much better. It's enjoyable to drink as it is, just a bit frustrating that it was so tight. I'd give it 89 points for now though it may be worthy of more than that eventually. Tasted 2/11

Edit: On day 4 this is even better. It hasn't changed drastically but the nose now has a clearer violet/tar-like aroma to it and the fruit on the palate has become tangier and more like boysenberry than just nondescript dark fruit. The spirit is a bit more in check as well and the finish feels longer. This really makes me feel that this port is better than what it's showing right now. I wish I had more left to evaluate over another day or two. It could be a sleeper amongst the 94's. I'll bump my score up to a 90 based on this last glass.

[David Spriggs]

Thanks for the note! It does sound like this is closed. I'll make a note to bury mine in the back of the cellar for now.

[Andy Velebil]

I last had this about 2 years ago and it was a stellar young VP still, and one that is sadly rarely talked about when it comes to 1994 VP's. I suspect you're right abuot being in a funky place right now. I guess I'll let mine sleep for a while longer before I open any.

[Kurt Wieneke]

Yes, I had this from 375 ml a few years back and it was totally shutdown.

[Eric Menchen]

Just bought another of these, as I really enjoyed it a few years ago as well. I guess ill bury it and open 1994 SW LBV in the mean time.