Smith Woodhouse - Traditional LBV - Port

Description

Overview: Smith Woodhouse has earned a reputation as one of the finest Port producers in the Douro River Valley since its founding in 1784. The brand was originally owned by Christopher Smith, Lord Mayor of London, who created a small company to ship Port from the Douro Valley, and was later joined by the help of the Woodhouse brothers. 

The Symington family acquired Smith Woodhouse in 1970 and have since brought four generations of experience as growers and producers of fine Port wines. Under the family’s ownership, the company has produced a succession of outstanding Vintage Ports. As a niche name with limited production, Smith Woodhouse is not as well-known as most of its peers, but among Port connoisseurs it is eagerly sought. In major blind tastings of all the Ports declared in Vintage years, critics consistently pick out the Smith Woodhouse as an extraordinarily good value. 

Smith Woodhouse is one of the only producers that makes a Traditional Bottle-Matured Late Bottled Vintage Port. The grapes are harvested in the fall and are fermented for a short period of time before the addition of 100% grape spirit alcohol. This step stops fermentation, preserves the wine’s natural grape sugars, and gives it its unique richness. The wine is aged for four years in cask, then bottled unfiltered and aged for a minimum of five more years before its release.

Tasting Notes: Crimson red rim and surprisingly opaque core, belying its 13 years. Very fragrant nose with aromas of red fruits: strawberry and raspberry as well as nuances of mint and rockrose. On the palate, medium to full-bodied, opulent and packed with rich brambly fruit flavours. Well-rounded peppery tannins render the wine very approachable now whilst suggesting further considerable ageing potential.

Pairing: Smith Woodhouse Late Bottled Vintage can be enjoyed anytime but it can be particularly enjoyable when paired with chocolate desserts or firm cheeses like mature Cheddar and Manchego, but also semi-soft cheeses, including most blue cheeses.

Points: 91, Wine Spectator

Format / ABV: 750 ml/20.0%

In certain circumstances, a specific vintage may not be available. If this is the case, a comparable vintage of the same wine will be substituted for online orders. If shopping in store, please check the bottle for the appropriate vintage. If you have a question about a specific vintage that is in stock, please email wine@kegnbottle.com