paulgifford
"Late bottled vintage port from the venerable Sandeman house"
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Late bottled vintage port from the venerable Sandeman house
-
Mar 10, 2010
- by paulgifford
- posted in Spirited Discussions
Rating:
+4
It has sadly been several months since I last had any of this fabulous port, as I've had a bit of difficulty tracking down another bottle and don't have the money at the moment to order a full case, so please forgive any vaguaries in my description.
Coming from the venerable Sandeman house (fun fact, the word 'trademark' actually comes from Sandeman, they were the first to ever stamp a unqieu symbol into their bottles so as to ensure it was known as theirs) this is a fabulous example of the port maker's art. I had never had a Sandeman before, so I was a little uncertain what to expect when I finally opened it, and based upon a few reviews of Sandeman's other vintage years (they've developed a reputation of late for hit-and-miss bottlings) I was a little bit leery. This was the strongest port I'd ever had (sitting at a whopping 20.5% abv) and, as indicated by the sealed cork, was unfiltered. This of course meant that the bottling was a readily drinkable approximation of a proper vintage port, and for those of us who consume port regularly the unfiltered ports do generally tend towards being a superior product.
Due to the strength I assumed it would need a bit of decanting before a proper glass was drunk, but I had a friend over who had never tried port before (!) and I'd been planning to open this next anyways. My initial impression was of course that the alcohol was prominent, but I was surprised at the depth of flavour. Underneath that initial burn there lurked ripe, dark fruits and brown sugar. My friend was quite pleased, and has expressed interest in joining me for port again, although he didn't ever get to try it once it had mellowed, much the shame for him. For when I had another glass about 4 hours later, that burn ahd mellowed and the full force of the flavour came to bear. What shocked me was just how sweet it was, something which I am quite fond of in my LBV. For those familiar with port, you will share my initial surprise when I say this was a deeper, sweeter wine than either the Fonseca 2000 or 2003. While the exact flavour profile has faded with time from my memory, that deep, rich brown sugar profile really stands out.
While I have yet to try any other Sandeman, I must say that this release really blew my mind, and I'm glad I tried it as late into the port game as I did. While I recommend it to anyone who even remotely likes port, I think it'll be a treat for the experienced drinker. As I mentioned before, I plan to order a case if I can at some point in the near future, so that I can cellar a few bottles for future years and still have enough to enjoy for some time to come. Quite simply a marvel, and my favourite port to date.
Score: 9/10 (4 isn't high enough, but I don't think any drink really deserves a perfect score..)
Sandeman 2000 unfiltered LBV port, 20.5% abv, avg retail price: $30
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More Sandeman 2000 LBV Port reviews
Port is one of my very favorite after dinner drinks! I love it with an accompaniment of a small plate of Stilton cheese wedges, it cuts down on the "sweetness" of the Port.. I find that a bottle of Port is a great way to spend an evening with friends!!! I drink it mostly in the fall and winter months. I bought 2 bottles of a 1987 vintage Port when my grandson was born in 2003. I am saving them for his 21st birthday, should be some great bonding time!!!
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About the reviewer
Paul Gifford (paulgifford)
Ranked #5
Ranked #5
I'm a history major specialising in the British empire, with a general focus towards South Africa but embracing studies of the whole of the empire. I've been drinking single malt scotch whisky for nearly … more
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About this drink
SANDEMAN LATE BOTTLED VINTAGE 2000 is a young and intense wine, with a good evolving structure of great harmony.The wine shows a deep red ruby color, ripe fruit aromas and a rich taste in a perfect balance of evolution and concentrated powerful tannins.
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A careful selection of wines from high quality 2000 harvest were blended to give the full rich fruit character and power that is found in this SANDEMAN LATE BOTTLED VINTAGE 2000. Bottled in its fourth year, this special category Porto wine combines the advantage of being ready to drink and yet having the style of a single year.
Serving Suggestions Matured before bottling, SANDEMAN LATE BOTTLED VINTAGE 2000 does not require decanting. However, if kept for several years, this wine may throw a natural sediment with time and should then be decanted. Serve in large glasses to fully appreciate.
Source: D&M Wine and Liquors
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