1995 Smith Woodhouse LBV Port

[Lamont Huxley]

Traditional (unfiltered), bottled in 1999. I'm just finishing the last glass after about 3 full days in the decanter...

Dark plum colored - nearly opaque at the center with a wide garnet colored rim. It now looks even darker, almost inky in the middle with even less of a rim. Perfumed raspberry and milk chocolate on the nose - at times a touch of licorice as well. Tonight a ton of lavender suddenly appeared on the nose also - really nice. Sweet, tangy fruit fills the front of the palate - boysenberry, raspberry, strawberry, blueberry... it's that delicious sort of red/black fruit that seems to fit whichever berry I happen to think of at the moment - silky, plush and medium bodied. Some peppery spirit develops on the midpalate but it's nicely integrated and plays well off the soft, chocolately tannins. The finish is of medium length and echoes with notes of grapes stems and skins.

This is an awesome LBV and definitely lived up to my high expectations after all of the complementary reviews I've read. It's drinking beautifully right now but should continue to evolve for quite a long time. 92 pts, Tasted 3/11

[Ray Barnes]

Thank you...very well written note too!

[Lamont Huxley]

Thanks Ray!

I noticed that you, like myself, are on an LBV kick lately. If you can find a bottle of this I would definitely recommend picking it up. It drinks more like an soft and elegant VP than an LBV and is probably my favorite LBV to date. I've got a S-W '99 and Warre's 2000 on deck too...

[Ray Barnes]

You're welcome. Our local store has sold out of the 1995 and is carrying the 1999 - for a price of about $38. I'm thinking about that one.

[John M.]

Excellent note--I've been meaning to buy this and will now definitely, thanks. I've got a 2000 Warre's LBV which I'm thinking of opening up for St. Patrick's Day; I'll post a TN.

For tonight I've opened a 2003 Quinta de Ventozelo LBV. A brand I've not had before.

[Lamont Huxley]

Ray - I think I'm gonna pop the Woodhouse '99 next so I should have a TN up soon - I have high hopes based on what others have reported.

John - I look forward to your note on the Warre's - hopefully it's a good one...