1980 Smith Woodhouse

[Alex Bridgeman]

Deep brick-red in colour with a narrow rim and a centre that is 99% opaque. Gentle and perfumed nose of elegant rose petal and redcurrants - quite delicious smelling. The texture on entry is wonderful, delivering sweet toffee apple before a wave of dry tannins rolls in under the fruit but this brings some green unripe tones that detract from the wine and leads to an unbalanced palate. The finish is long and pleasant, but this wine never really convinces. 86/100. 23-Apr-15.