Smith Woodhouse 10 Yr. Tawny Porto

Enticing cherry, damson plum and raspberry coulis notes put this a step ahead of the pack. Rooibos tea, bergamot and dried rose petal notes add length and nuance to the finish. Distinctive and lovely. 91 PointsWine Spectator, June 2018

The grapes are harvested in fall and are fermented for a short period of time before the addition of 100% grape spirit alcohol. This step stops the fermentation, preserves the wine’s natural grape sugars, and gives it it’s unique richness. The wine is then moved into oak casks for aging, where it spends at least 10 years. “10 Years” indicates an average age: it is a blend of older lots, which offer complexity and depth, and younger wine, which lend fresh fruit flavors and vibrancy. Excellent tawny color gained through ageing in small oak barrels. The nose shows layers of mature fruit aromas, beautifully integrated with nuances of nuts and crystallized dried fruits. On the palate very smooth and mellow, with a well-balanced and long finish. Winery Notes