2018 Sandeman

[Alex Bridgeman]

A cask sample in half bottle tasted over the course of 4 days to allow the wine to show its full potential. A lovely nose of perfumed black mulberry fruit, pronounced and very attractive. Smooth and sophisticated texture on the palate. Rich and pure blackcurrant: sweet, honeyed and perfectly ripe. Gentle tannins hold around the fruit, but the fruit does it’s best to hide them. Over the course of the four days these tannins became bigger and bigger. Nice acidity really shows on the aftertaste giving a very fine structure to the wines, promising a long life in the cellar. Long, long finish of black fruit pastilles and gentle black liquorice.

This is a gentle giant, incredibly refined but with power and size hiding behind the good manners. Absolutely beautiful. 94-96/100.

Such an impressive Port. Big fruit, big tannins — brilliant stuff.