1983 Smith Woodhouse

[Alex Bridgeman]

The last glass from the last bottle at the Bunghole - this used to be the port available by the glass and was delisted about 6 weeks prior to this tasting note. It is not known how long the bottle was open prior to pouring.

Very dark red in colour, opaque but also full of gritty sediment. Nosing of cherry fudge and lots of mint as the alcohol shows through the ripe fruit. Gentle entry, full of sour cherry initially sweetened with caramel and then a powerful dose of lemon-sharp acidity that dominates the palate. The tannins are very faint on the palate, which is dominated by a slight baked tone that could come from extended opening. The aftertaste is dominated by gentle lemon and lime sharpness, which gives way to a soft stewed rhubarb that is perfectly pleasant. I suspect this bottle has been open for some time but the port is perfectly drinkable despite that. If I rated this particular glass, I would give it 83/100 but it's not fair to rate it given the uncertain provenance as other bottles have shown better. NR. Drunk 05-Feb-14. Decanting time N/K.