Color is pale garnet with slight bricking, and a clear edge. The nose is extremely aromatic, with vibrant aromas of cloves, dried orange peel, and unsweetened cocoa, with an underlying base of dark fruit and roasted nuts. On the palate it is very smooth, and after a full day of decanting, quite rich. The flavors are lovely, with the wine just starting to shed its fruit and show some secondary flavors. Plums and prickly blackberries are there, but just fading from the forefront, to be replaced by cocoa, orange peel, and sweet cherries, starting lightly but coming out as it moves from mid-palate to a lingering cherry finish. Tannins are light, very fine, and well-integrated. Eat with dates, very dark chocolate, or rich cheeses.
WHO: Smith Woodhouse
WHAT: Port Blend
WHERE: Portugal, Duoro, Porto
WHEN: 1991
HOW MUCH: $70
