1970 Sandeman

[Alex Bridgeman]

Generous red colour, showing late youth; 70% opaque. Late youthful nose, with generous fruit but a little hot and with lots of spicy curry leaves. Soft texture on entry, generous sweet fruit and Bertie Bassett licorice. Soft tannins and positive acidity; some sweet blueberry on the mid-palate. Nice development of flavour. Bubblegum aftertaste and on the early finish; very sweet, slightly cloying but with good length supported by cocoa tannins. Slightly lacking in balance, but still a bit youthful. One to try again in 5 years. The nose really developed nicely in the glass, with the palate developing better balance; this was much improved after 2 hours. 86/100. Drunk 11 November 2011.

[RAYC]

Clearly in impeccable condition despite dubious colouration/markings to label - generous nose on decanting, deep colour for a 70, pleasant heat and sweetness with good fruit and sufficient complexity to make an interesting port. Impressively youthful for its age - guesses by AHB and THRA put this as a 1987/1991, i seem to recall. Drinking very nicely.

I was clearly more impressed by this than AHB (but i do have a very sweet tooth) and thought it a very good showing - will look to acquire some more at the right price **** (90)