1970 Smith Woodhouse

[winesecretary]

Unknown English bottler. Looks fairly elderly, only 20% opaque, orange rim. Hint of varnish on the nose. Slightly hollow on the palate at first but, later, flavours of poached stone fruit in glass. Lovely warming finish. Consumed with AHB, CPR, THRA, and guest OJW on 07/10/19 at the B&F.

[Alex Bridgeman]

Pale in colour with an evolved rose appearance, 20% opaque. Very little on the nose at first although some dusty cherry appeared later. Light with hints of chocolate orange on entry, but this quickly thickens to a bitter orange oil and orange blossom — for something initially very light this quickly put on weight on the palate. A little one-dimensional at first, this displayed a quick flash of heat on the aftertaste before a very long and impressive orange jelly finish took over. A little more time in the glass allowed this wine to settle down very nicely, allowing it to turn into a beautiful elegant and fully mature Port. Served blind, this was guessed to be Cockburn 1963. 94/100. Tasted 07-Oct-19. Decanted 17 hours.

Tasted as part of a Bring a Bottle tasting at the Boot & Flogger.