1977 Smith Woodhouse

[Alex Bridgeman]

A magnum bought ex-cellars in 2010. The colour of polished mahogany, 90% opaque. A delicious nose of warm cinnamon infused rhubarb and star fruit - bright and lively. Neutral and gentle on entry, soft with a slight baked character. Still dusty tannins on the palate and fruit that arrives surprisingly late. The late palate is lively and complex with good layering but it does take a long time to arrive. Surprisingly, the texture is a little watery, despite the intense flavours. There is tobacco on the aftertste with lots of red jelly fruit wrapped around the tobacco. Lingering aftertaste that is sweet and red but with a huge chocolate and cranberry finish. Very big - and still very young! 89/100. Drunk 15-Nov-16. Decanted 3 hours.