2011 Smith Woodhouse - Porto Late Bottled Vintage (750ml)

Selected from Douro grapes harvested during the highly documented 2011 growing season, this Late Bottled Vintage Porto from Smith Woodhouse delivers concentrated fruit intensity while eliminating the decade-long cellar requirement associated with traditional Vintage Ports. The wine rests for four to six years in seasoned wooden casks before undergoing light filtration, a technique that stabilizes the liquid and removes heavy sediment while preserving the natural gloss and weight of the vintage.

The aromatics open with dense black plum, cooked cherry, and sun-dried fig, quickly yielding to secondary notes of toasted almond, bittersweet cocoa, and a subtle undertone of white pepper. On the palate, the 2011 vintage exhibits the bright acidity characteristic of that Douro year: vibrant fruit flavors are cleanly cut by natural freshness, while fine-grained tannins provide structure without dryness. The finish remains medium-long, lingering with traces of candied citrus rind and roasted coffee bean.

Serve this Porto slightly chilled at 60–65°F (15–18°C) to sharpen the aroma profile and temper the alcohol warmth. Because extended cask aging keeps particulate matter low, decanting is entirely optional, though pouring through a mesh strainer ensures a perfectly clear glass. It pairs reliably with dark chocolate ganache, sharp blue cheese crackers, walnut brittle, or poached pear desserts. Once opened, the bottle retains optimal flavor for two to three weeks when stored upright in a cool, dark area away from direct sunlight and heat fluctuations.