2009 Sandeman LBV
Posted: 20:11 Sun 01 Feb 2015
Having been exceedingly impressed by this LBV when I tasted it last year, I found myself in Waitrose and in need of 300ml of port for use in making a Beef Winter Stew. I happened on this bottle and bought it for the very reasonable sum of £15 (only slightly more than the reserve rubies also on the shelf).
Bottled in 2013 and sealed with a driven cork. Inky purple and opaque. Smelling fragrant, of bruised purple plums - fruity but sweet and slightly cloying. Smooth entry, sweet and focused fruit then a strong dose of acidity to clean and balance the palate. The tannins are ripe and toasted and hold the focus well before the late palate blossoms into an explosion of ripe, plummy fruit. Searing acidity on the aftertaste takes a sip or two to adjust to, but the finish is huge and full of dark chocolate and dried plums. Superb LBV. 92/100. Drunk 01-Feb-15. Decanted 24 hours.
Bottled in 2013 and sealed with a driven cork. Inky purple and opaque. Smelling fragrant, of bruised purple plums - fruity but sweet and slightly cloying. Smooth entry, sweet and focused fruit then a strong dose of acidity to clean and balance the palate. The tannins are ripe and toasted and hold the focus well before the late palate blossoms into an explosion of ripe, plummy fruit. Searing acidity on the aftertaste takes a sip or two to adjust to, but the finish is huge and full of dark chocolate and dried plums. Superb LBV. 92/100. Drunk 01-Feb-15. Decanted 24 hours.