1963 - Sandeman, Vintage

The 1963 Sandeman Vintage Porto has a bewitching bouquet with mulberry, cloves, allspice and balsam that gently unfold in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with great tension. There is a fine edginess here, an uncommon sense of brio with dried fig and dried prune; then with further aeration, white pepper and cloves. It gently builds in the mouth and leads you to a very elegant and refined finish that will last another decade at least. Stylish and suave, this is somewhat predictably the best Sandeman of this era. Drink now-2030.

Tasted blind. Pale fox-brown. Delicate leather and truffle maturity with caramel and some subtle dried strawberry. On the palate, some density of fruit gives an attractive energy and vigour. Tannins totally melted into a harmonious whole. Caresses the palate through to its very long, ethereal finish. Still has something to give, I think. (TJ)