For The Love Of Port

Last night we had a tasting of Smith-Woodhouse from the 1990s: the 1991, 1994 & 1997 VPs and the 1995 SW Madalena (a particular favorite as it is quite affordable and a lovely Port). All bottles decanted about 5 hours before--could have done with a few more hours but decent enough. SW to me is typically a dark, brooding port but full of fruit and vigor when tasted. Love the brand!

Noticed the older it got, the browner the aurora/rim got. But looking at the four glasses they initially looked identical in color until closer examination revealed differences. The 1991 was the most surprising---while the 1994 was the WOTN, the 1991 was close behind. It was the most evolved of the four--i.e. closest to it's peak. 1994 and 1995 would benefit from more aging.

Ports were served blind. Tasters knew were all SW and pre-2000. Scores were consistent - I am JJM and was the most generous is scorer. For WOTN 1994 got 6 votes, 1991 4 votes and one for the 1995.

Your narrative says it is 1992, but the score card says it is 1991.

Smith Woodhouse appears to have declared both, so that's no help.

Glenn E. wrote: ↑Sat Mar 29, 2025 11:37 am Your narrative says it is 1992, but the score card says it is 1991.

Smith Woodhouse appears to have declared both, so that's no help.

Edited. Was the 1991

While there were votes for favorites, the averages are pretty tight there, 90.6 - 91.3, and the individual scores don't vary much more than that. My first reaction was that the 1994 should have scored higher, but then I checked and my last score at 93 was well in the range here.