The 2000 Smith Woodhouse Vintage Port comes from the millennium vintage, which has a strong reputation in the Douro. Smith Woodhouse is a historic port house known for its classic, structured style. This wine is of interest to enthusiasts who wish to combine the power of a Vintage Port with the evolution that comes from years of aging in the bottle.<\/p>\n
Smith Woodhouse was founded in the 18th century and is now owned by the Symington family. In the Douro, grapes grow on steep, often terraced slopes. Differences in elevation and location mean that grapes do not ripen at the same time everywhere. The 2000 harvest produced concentrated Vintage Ports with dark fruit and firm tannins. The special vintage also gave the bottles symbolic value. Vintage Port is bottled relatively young and continues to age in the bottle. As a result, the initial fruit intensity can develop greater refinement over the years. The evolution of an individual bottle depends on how it is stored, so the vintage year alone does not guarantee the current flavor profile.<\/p>\n
Expect black currants, plums, dark cherries, violets, and cocoa. The flavor is full-bodied and structured, with tannins that support the fruit. With extended bottle aging, more spicy and dried-fruit notes may develop.<\/p>\n
Serve at around 16 to 18 degrees Celsius. If using an older bottle, stand it upright beforehand and decant it carefully to separate any sediment. Pair with blue cheese or dark chocolate, or taste the wine on its own to discover the character of the vintage.<\/p>\n
Compare this port with similar vintage ports:<\/p>\n