1970 Sandeman Vintage Port
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Tasting notes
The 1970 Sandeman Vintage Porto has a rather conservative bouquet, with notes of decayed red fruit, allspice, sandalwood and fennel, but those aromas feel rather constrained and straight-laced. Returning after several minutes, it finally begins to “motor” but is never totally convincing. The palate is better with supple, spicy red plums mixed with peppercorns and tobacco, a gentle honeyed texture and a light, focused finish that lingers in the mouth. The palate deserves better aromatics, although I feel that decanting will allow this to blossom. Not a bad mature port and yet it would pale against the likes of Taylors or Fonseca. Drink now-2025.
Critic scores
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Very pale rose red. Slightly burnt edge. This reminds me a little of the Soviet wine museum , as though the sweetness had been rather cooked in some way. Round and sweet but not very subtle. Spirit on the finish. Some heat and metallic finish. (JR)
Light ruby, almost tawny. Extremely mature, almost musty nose, but with its own charm. Very mellow and ready with great satiny sweet fruit followed by tannins. This wine may be drying out a bit. It’s lovely this minute though. (JR)
Elegant and balanced, with lovely ripe fruit flavors, but it doesn't quite make it to the heights of other well-known shippers. Medium ruby-red, with a minty chocolate nose, medium-bodied, with cherry flavors, balanced tannins and a short finish. – James Suckling , Wine Spectator 1989