First taste: Sandeman 50-Year-Old Tawny Port

Sandeman is renowned for its Tawny Ports with an indication of age, namely its 10-, 20-, 30- and 40-Year-Old Aged Tawnies.  It came as no surprise that the Port house has launched a Port from the new 50-Year-Old category.  It is impressively elegant, fresh and precise.  Altogether apiece with the rare Very Old Tawny Ports (two) which were also blended by head winemaker Luís Sottomayor.

 “We always knew that Sandeman had the wines to make this remarkable Aged Tawny and finally the IVDP approved this new category, and we can bring this unique blend to the world,” said Sottomayor.  The blend was crafted from wines aged between 40–70 years old.  The intention is to release 1,000-1,300 bottles of this limited edition top tier Tawny each year.

Here is my note:

Sandeman 50-Year-Old Tawny Port

A rich but bright tawny hue, with impressive clarity to the nose and palate given the length of time in wood.  Indeed the wood is delicately worn, allowing the silky smooth apricot jelly (think apricot glazed patisserie), medlar/pear, dried redcurrant and orange and fennel seed infused crema catalana flavours to linger and shine.  Lavender, cinnamon and cedar notes bring complexity and lift. Elegantly balanced, the finish is well-controlled, long and precise with a sappy fresh, palate-cleansing quality to the acidity. 125g/l residual sugar, pH 3.2, Total Acidity 5.5g/l, 20% abv.  Bottled under (glass) vinolok.  RRP £330.00; Sandeman is imported into the UK by Liberty Wines.