Opened on 31 October 2007 and drunk after 8 hours in the decanter.
Very deep red, opaque centre and very dark rim. Nose still holds some primary blackcurrant. The initial entry into the mouth is sweet but a wave of tannin comes through, to be replaced in turn by the blackcurrant cordial that is promised on the nose. The aftertaste takes a while to come into focus, but then resolves itself into a dark cherry chocolate that lasts a long time. A surprisingly young wine that will continue to improve and will be better in a decade. Some had this as the wine of the night. 7-8 or 91/100.
1980 Smith Woodhouse
- Alex Bridgeman
- Graham’s 1948
- Posts: 14908
- Joined: 13:41 Mon 25 Jun 2007
- Location: Berkshire, UK
1980 Smith Woodhouse Vintage Port
Top Ports in 2023: Taylor 1896 Colheita, b. 2021. A perfect Port.
2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
Tasted last week, from a half bottle. After a mere 3 hours in the decanter, medium body, medium sweet. Colour a little lighter than expected, though the wine was still rich and classier, more so than I recalled from my only previous bottles about 6 years ago.
I tasted dark chocolate, alcohol-infused maraschino cherries (like I used to get in my Black Russians, before I gave up spirts for wine and port!) and moccachino.
On the second day it was pinker and lighter, and some heat that was apparent the previous day was gone. I think I liked it better on day two..
I liked this wine much better than the one or two other 1980s I've had, perhaps this vintage is peaking? I don't think it will improve much if any, and it may not last beyond another 5 years, though who knows?
I score this 91 points.
I tasted dark chocolate, alcohol-infused maraschino cherries (like I used to get in my Black Russians, before I gave up spirts for wine and port!) and moccachino.
On the second day it was pinker and lighter, and some heat that was apparent the previous day was gone. I think I liked it better on day two..
I liked this wine much better than the one or two other 1980s I've had, perhaps this vintage is peaking? I don't think it will improve much if any, and it may not last beyond another 5 years, though who knows?
I score this 91 points.