1977 Smith Woodhouse

[jdaw1]

On Wednesday 3rd June 2015 CSD, JDAW and AHB met at Portland (113 Great Portland Street W1W 6QQ) for some blind bottles.

Links:

• Review of the event as a whole;
• 1996 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape (CSD);
• 1977 Smith Woodhouse (JDAW);
• 1994 Vesuvio (AHB);
• Placemats;
• Planning and arrangements.

[jdaw1]

SW77, decanted 2pm. Dark red, 80% opaque. Palate had black fruit, heat, grit. Great youth: needs another decade in the cellar, and won’t get it. Heat a mite too strong, otherwise excellent.

Others’ guesses were all befuddled by the youth; folks were mighty surprised when SW77 was unwrapped.

[jdaw1]

I was gobsmacked to learn the SW was 20 years older than I had guessed (smelling purple, i went with vesuvio. being slightly angular and mid-maturity, i guessed 97)

[Alex Bridgeman]

Deep red, mature but only just starting to turn brick red. Somewhat unpleasant on the nose at first with the odd tone of baby-sick blowing off to allow through the violets and menthol. A lovely satin texture on the palate, then a sweet cherry and big spiciness. Mid-weight palate with an aggressive dose of acidity on the aftertaste, with tannins almost fully integrated. There is a wonderful woody element to the palate which does show the gentle tannins. Dry aftertaste, with a lovely development on the long and delicious finish. Served blind, this was guessed to be Sandeman Vau 1997. 88/100.