The Smith Woodhouse 2016 Vintage Port is entirely based on the Madalena vineyard, primarily from the field blend of very old mixed vines. They cover just over half of the vineyard’s 17 hectares, and in 2016, the yields of these Vinhas Velhas were exceptionally low, a meagre 200 grams per vine, practically one bunch from each vine. The remarkable depth and complexity of the wine reflect the concentration and structure provided by these grapes. The remainder of Madalena is planted with Touriga Franca, a late ripening variety, well suited to the conditions of the Rio Torto area where typically the crop takes longer to ripen. This component from Madalena, the Vinha das Flores — true to its name — provides distinctive floral aromas of violets and rockrose.
This was one of the latest starting vintages of recent years, even by Rio Torto standards. Picking only began at Madalena on September 28th, starting with the Vinhas Velhas and then moving on to the Vinha das Flores. The harvest took place under perfect blue sky conditions and moderate temperatures, with warm days and cool nights. It became evident from the outset of the vintage, judging by the superb quality of the grapes reaching the winery, that the long wait since the 2011 Vintage declaration was, in all likelihood, finally over.
Reviews
A serious Port in the making, with dark currant paste, warmed fig sauce and blackberry reduction flavors pouring through. The brambly grip is deeply embedded and there are gorgeous ganache and licorice snap notes hanging on the finish. Hefty and broad, yet this has cut and energy in reserve.
This is extremely floral with dark fruit and plum character. Full-bodied, very tight and focused. It's a complete young vintage Port that is great from start to finish. Rio Torto fruit makes this great!
Full and rich, the wine has dark tannins and dense blackberry flavors. It is generous wine—juicy, perfumed and layered with impressive tannins.
Entirely from Quinta da Madelena in the Torto Valley, primarily a field blend of old vines that were picked late. Open, fragrant, ripe cherry and floral fruit aromas with a touch or tar-like intensity. Well defined berry fruit on the palate with fine-grained, peppery tannins leading to a long sinewy finish.
The 2016 Vintage Port is an equal blend of old vines and Touriga Franca, coming in with 113 grams per liter of residual sugar. Fresh, lively and lush it is also going to be approachable relatively young. This is a fine Port, but it's not truly made for greatness. If it is not quite as rich and decadent, it is more lifted on the finish, with a sunny feel and a more aromatic beginning.