1999 Smith Woodhouse LBV Port

[Lamont Huxley]

Unfiltered, bottled 2003.

2+hrs: Dark purple in the glass, though I wouldn't say inky, with garnet highlighting - very young looking. The nose was almost completely muted with only a vague impression of primary purple fruits. The palate is more open than the nose, though still tight, and displays lots of tangy dark berry and plum fruit with a wave of heat and tannin taking over on the back end. Big and tasty but definitely needs time to settle down...

20+hrs: Still just as dark. The nose is still primary, like blackberry liqueur, but is now showing touches of floral raspberry, chocolate and tar as well - this is getting good. The medium-bodied palate has smoothed out somewhat with good freshness to the plump berry fruit, juicy acidity, and slightly grainy tannins showing up on the medium-length finish that trails off with notes of baking chocolate and grape skins. The spirit is still prominent but better integrated than on the first night and doesn't detract too much.

36+hrs: Looks a bit more like a dark maroon than dark purple today but it might just be the different lighting. On the nose there's now a nice mix of fragrant red and blue berries at the fore with the licorice and tar notes intermingling - continues to gain interest. The palate now has more finesse, showcasing the honey-laced berry fruit as the spirit and tannin continue to mellow and integrate. The alcohol that was so noticable when first opened now comes off more like pleasant black pepper than raw heat. The finish remains consistent with chocolate turning to grape skin. This is still getting better but unfortunately there's only one glass left...

48+hrs: Seems to have taken a small step backward. The nose seems to have closed back up a bit and the spirit and tannin on the palate are more prominent again. Still very good but doesn't feel quite as balanced as it did 12 hours ago.

Excellent LBV that I would guess needs another 3-5 years before it comes together. Not drinking as beautifully as the '95 version that I just drank recently, but given time it could eventually be just as good. For now: 90 pts, Tasted 3/11

[Ray Barnes]

Thanks for another well written note Lamont. For what it may be worth, I also tried this wine on the evening of March 15 - for the first time - and intend to post some comments on it and a sidebar tasting in the next day or two.

Cheers,
Ray