Cheers! In keeping with the theme of tasting younger vintages of late, Lillian and I picked up the Smith Woodhouse 2000 to pop this past weekend. I'd read some flattering press about it when the 2000's first came on the market and had always been curious to try it. The only other vintages I've sampled from this particular member of the Symington stable are the 1985, which I had nearly 10 years ago, and at the time was a big juicy fruit bomb type of a port, and the 1997, which I drank recently and was of a rather lighter-bodied and more open style. Both were very enjoyable, though if memory serves me correctly with respect to the 85, I'd say this is my favorite so far.SMITH WOODHOUSE VINTAGE 2000
Royal purple color with a raspberry red rim. The nose is deep and inviting and opened up nicely after about three hours of decanting: boysenberry, strawberry, violets, licorice, and a touch of leather. Full bodied palate offering lots of sweet, plummy dark cherry fruit, big, chocolately tannins, and Christmas spices that linger through the long and rich finish. A well built, delicious, cellar-worthy vintage port from Smith-Woodhouse that should become a beauty as it ages. I'd probably give it until 2020 before it's at its best, but I certainly enjoyed it now. 93pts, Tasted 4/08
2 comments:
I have to correct you, Lamont. We drank the 1977 Smith Woodhouse vintage at the 2002 winter event. We drank it at its peak when Suckling gave it 99 points. You reviewed it, but your review is not on the website. I'm still trying to find those old reviews!
Bill,
You are correct. I had noticed your review of the 77 a while ago and wondered if I was just forgetting that I drank it with you or you had had it somewhere else. Damn, really hope those reviews turn up - I need to refresh my memory on this one!
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