smith_woodhouse
 
Smith Woodhouse Vintage Port 2003
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The winter leading up to the 2003 Vintage was unusually wet, with double the normal rainfall, but this was balanced by higher than normal temperatures throughout the year. Budburst came early after a warm spring, in mid-March. Excellent flowering conditions and continued hot weather greatly benefited the development of the  bunches, and some welcome rain refreshed the vineyards July. The intense heat of the summer months hastened the ripening of the fruit. The harvest started on the 22nd September, under ideal conditions, and just in time to avoid the first heavy rains of the coming autumn. The yields were low but the grape-musts had intense color and aroma, clearly destined to develop into superb wines.

Very dark, opaque. Lifted floral aromas on the nose. Combination of floral notes and “esteva” with spicy peppery undertones. Very powerful and rich with tightly packed layers of ripe berry fruit flavors on the palate which provide a persistent, very long aftertaste, also suggesting hints of dark chocolate.

Reviews

Wine Spectator
4/29/2006
Points:
91

Enjoyable ripe fruit and earthy components. Full-bodied and medium sweet, with lovely ripe tannins. Finish goes on and on.

Wine & Spirits
11/30/2005
Points:
91

Spicy scents of esteva and black, schisty tannins give this wine impressive clarity. There's a rich core of fruit in the middle, just the right weight to balance the heat of the alcohol. That plummy fruit tastes pure and fresh, and should age with finesse. 

Wine Enthusiast
10/31/2005
Points:
90

A fine, foursquare wine from one of the Symington-owned Port houses. It shows good tannins, delicious perfumed fruit and great ripeness. Along with this attractive fruit, there is an impressive streak of dry tannins which promise good aging.