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Deep red, intense colour. Showing a touch of heat on the nose but the same distinctive tones as the '70 and '77 shown alongside with eucalyptus over a sweetened redcurrant. Initially sweet in the mouth, but showing little fruit. Lots of acidity in the mix and the ghost of the old tannins. The fruit comes through strongly on the mid-palate, but it is quite hot and dry. The finish is big, showing a streak of heat but this does not detract from the fruit flavours. Dominated by brown sugar and redcurrant concentrate. Simply delicious. 94/100. Drunk 26 June 2009.

S63: bright red, fading to pink at the edge. Nosing of big red fruit: strawberry and cherry. This might be a Sandeman signature. Thinner than the S77, and overwhelmed by mid-palate heat. Also rather too much acidity past its prime, alas.

From the same tasting:

• Sandeman 1958;
• Sandeman 1960;
• Sandeman 1963;
• Sandeman 1970;
• Sandeman 1977;
• Sandeman 2007;
• Sandeman ≤1932 Ruby;
• Placemats (though lunch was actually at Quinta do Porto).