RWC SW77 in magnum $245

[Glenn E.]

Just received this email from the Rare Wine Company. I'm just an occasional customer and on their email list.

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1977 Port's Ultimate Sleeper
Smith Woodhouse in Rarest Magnums
and Astonishing Provenance

“For Port aficionados, few vintages equal the grandeur and quality of 1977 … 1977 is the modern classic for most people… it’s crazy not to buy some 1977 Smith Woodhouse." James Suckling (2007)

THERE WAS A TIME when James Suckling’s claim to fame was that he was America’s port guru. Over a 25-year period, he not only wrote all the port reviews for the Wine Spectator, he also wrote the book that became "the bible" on Vintage Port.

During his Wine Spectator tenure, which began in 1985, he never saw another port vintage to match 1977, which he called “the modern classic.” In 1997, he wrote a 20-year retrospective on the vintage. And in 2007, he revisited the 1977s at age 30. And each time, the towering surprise of his tastings was Smith Woodhouse.

In his 1997 tastings, he put Smith Woodhouse at the very top, with an eye-popping 99-point score. And then a decade later, his admiration remained strong, as he gave '77 Smith Woodhouse a huge 96-point rating. Only one port did better: the famous 1977 Fonseca at 100 points.

Needless to say, 1977 Smith Woodhouse has become a cult favorite. And we've jumped at every chance we’ve had to buy some. But the opportunity that presented itself this week was unprecedented: the chance to buy rare magnums of 1977 Smith Woodhouse that recently came from Smith Woodhouse’s cellars in Oporto.

These magnums are not only attractive as a collectible and rarity. Because of their size, they also promise an additional 20+ years of aging potential, particularly with this provenance.

If you're looking for a great mature port to leave your grandkids, this is the one.

But there’s more good news: the price. At $245 a magnum these are an absolute bargain considering quality, rarity, provenance, collectability and the fact that they already have 35 years of age under their belts. But our supply is limited. Hurry.

1977 Smith Woodhouse Vintage Port in Magnum* $245

James Suckling (2007 retrospective) 96 rating

“Great dark color. Intense aromas of blackberry, stem and earth. Very powerful and youthful nose. Full-bodied and medium-sweet, with lots of milk chocolate, spice and berry character. Layered and balanced. So enjoyable. But just a baby. It is really fantastic. Underrated by many, including me.

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IT'S EASY TO ORDER
You can simply reply to this email or call us at (800) 999-4342.

[Andy Velebil]

A smoking good Port and even better from Mag. Here's one of my TN's on it.

1977 Smith Woodhouse Vintage Port
Still a dark purple and showing no signs of age at all. The nose was subdued and just showing some grapes and violets, which were the only indication so far that this has some age to it. Full bodied and rich, yet silky and sexy at the same time. Still had young dark fruit on it with plenty of acid and tannins to carry it to old bones. This easily has 20-30+ more years to go before peaking. 96 points.
1/31/09
96 Points

[Eric Menchen]

I agree that it is an awesome Port. But as I just picked up two more 750s under $60 each, I find the magnum premium here a little hard to swallow.

[Andy Velebil]

Typical action and retail prices for these mags are typically in the $180-220 range. For ex-cellars that's a pretty good price since you know they were stored well. I've also had magnum's of this VP several times direct from the Symington's cellars and can attest they are sound bottles worth getting.

[Moses Botbol]

$200 is ceiling for me on any 1977 magnum and $150 is more like it.

[Andy Velebil]

$200 is ceiling for me on any 1977 magnum and $150 is more like it.

stop being cheap

[Al B.]

$200 is ceiling for me on any 1977 magnum and $150 is more like it.

stop being cheap

There's not many magnums of 1977 vintage port you can get for under $150 these days! I've just paid $300 for a single magnum...

[Moses Botbol]

There's not many magnums of 1977 vintage port you can get for under $150 these days! I've just paid $300 for a single magnum...

I'll have to stick with 1970 magnums then!