1983 Smith Woodhouse Vintage Port
Posted: Thu May 03, 2012 11:05 am
This was from a 375ml bottle purchased at auction, which I think was a major factor in how the wine showed. It showed similarities to a 750 I tasted in November of 2009, but was much more mature than the intervening 30 months would account for. Besides the smaller format, I wonder if these 375s that I purchased may have been stored in less than ideal conditions.
Upon decanting I noticed smokey caramel aromas along with some VA and mild warmth. Drinking one hour later the VA was reduced but the smoke was still there in full force, and it made me think of alder. The flavor had an element of stewed prunes, and with more time became sweeter with an oxidized pear flavor. The combination reminded me of canned pears in heavy syrup left open in the refrigerator overnight. The empty glass had a floral potpourri aroma. At five hours the smoke had faded and some tar came into play in the mouth. I examined the color more closely and found it to be brick red throughout, and only slightly more brown at the edges. The body was medium, with no tannins left, but acid and a light warmth carried through a medium-long finish. 88-89 points.
375s in similar condition as this should be consumed now, while I suspect 750s still have some legs for a longer drinking window. I bought a batch of these for $8 each. They will make a decent daily drinker for a little while, and were worth the price. If some bottles show better, bonus.
Upon decanting I noticed smokey caramel aromas along with some VA and mild warmth. Drinking one hour later the VA was reduced but the smoke was still there in full force, and it made me think of alder. The flavor had an element of stewed prunes, and with more time became sweeter with an oxidized pear flavor. The combination reminded me of canned pears in heavy syrup left open in the refrigerator overnight. The empty glass had a floral potpourri aroma. At five hours the smoke had faded and some tar came into play in the mouth. I examined the color more closely and found it to be brick red throughout, and only slightly more brown at the edges. The body was medium, with no tannins left, but acid and a light warmth carried through a medium-long finish. 88-89 points.
375s in similar condition as this should be consumed now, while I suspect 750s still have some legs for a longer drinking window. I bought a batch of these for $8 each. They will make a decent daily drinker for a little while, and were worth the price. If some bottles show better, bonus.