1977 Sandeman

[jdaw1]

The presence of Alex B. in New York triggered a tasting (arranged via this thread, and discussed in this review) to which:

• Alex B. brought Kopke 1985;
• jdaw1 brought Warre 1985 and Warre 1977;
• g-man+♀ (Stephanie) brought Sandeman 1977 and Rebello Valente 1977;
• Bob Heckart brought Graham 1985.

This thread contains the tasting notes for the Sandeman 1977.

[jdaw1]

Slight cloudiness, and quite dark. Nothing distinctive for me, though AHB found “sweet cranberry†, and JG “candy cherry†. Initially more rougher than the others, and acidic.

Later in the evening much better (I left a large sample in my glass for a couple of hours), with a strong mint flavour.

[g-man]

This was the last place wine for me.

It was a bit rough, and the finish was sorely disappointing.

As we let it sit and open the finish lengthened but still only lasted 15-20 seconds, one of the shortest in the tasting. But the tannins have smoothened out.

strong mint on the nose, coughed up a good one trying to get some air in my mouth ...

I got burnt match, with black pepper and candied cherry.

[Alex Bridgeman]

Double decanted for 13 hours prior to serving. Slightly cloudy appearance with an opaque centre and a touch of orange on the rim. Sweet stewed rhubarb on the nose with All Spice pepping things up. A bitter entry, hugely acidic with sweetness in the background but dominated by the acidity bringing many different citrus tones. Very short aftertaste. Time in the glass over the evening softens the acidity significantly, improves the length and even starts to bring some mintiness into the mid-palate. A little above the median today and may improve but I'm not sure how much. 6-6 or 91/100.