2000 Smith Woodhouse Vintage Port, Douro, Portugal (750ml)
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Smith Woodhouse is a specialist producer of premium quality Ports. The uniformity of this quality is underpinned by Smith Woodhouse’s own Madalena vineyard from where the wines are largely sourced. This small Quinta (vineyard property) has the highest “A” quality rating and is located in the Rio Torto district, acknowledged as one of the finest Port growing areas. Over the coming years, the recently acquired Quinta do Vale Coelho, further upriver in the Douro Superior, producing full and elegant wines, will gradually form an important component of Smith Woodhouse’s Ports.
Producer Notes - "VINTAGE OVERVIEW The year started in rather a difficult manner; heavy rains during April and May slowed down the flowering and significantly reduced the size of the crop. We measured 7,78 inches in April and 6.65 in May in the vineyard compared to our average for these two months of just 2.94 and 3.92 respectively. The fruit that remained however matured under excellent conditions during June and July. In late August we had two days of rain followed by a further rainfall on 11th September. This was exactly what was wanted as it allowed the grapes to swell and the skins were softened. This is of great importance to ensuring good color extraction when the wine is being made. We started picking at Quinta da Madalena only on the 2nd October, this was rather later than usual, but enabled us to gain maximum benefit from the good weather. The yields were extremely low, but the quality of the fruit was outstanding and the juice was immensely concentrated. It was immediately apparent that the musts had great color and had a most attractive and fresh aroma. Temperature control in the fermentation tanks was not difficult, as the nights were cool. TASTING NOTE Deep dark ruby color. Wonderful lifted aromas of “esteva” and roses. Very mature fruit imparts raisin flavors and a thick cassis structure. Layers of ripe fruit promise well for the future."