1955 Sandeman

[Alex Bridgeman]

Opened for dinner at O Paparico to share with Roy Hersh in celebration of his birthday where we consumed S55. S57, S66, S67 and Pinto dos Santos 1963. The darkest of the Sandeman ports was the 1967, followed by the 1957, the 1955 and the 1966. The Pinto dos Santos 1963 was about the same colour as the Sandeman 1957.

A glowing burnished copper colour, very attractive in the glass. Slightly volatile on the nose with a touch of acetone coming from the glass. Smooth texture, slightly thick, as it comes into the mouth. Lots of acidity on the palate, but this really just highlights that this bottle has dried out a little with the fruit having been replaced by eucalyptus and menthol. Harsh aftertaste, aggressive at first but the aggression fades to allow a long bitter orange marmalade finish of stunning length. This is a port which is pleasant but is drying out. 84/100. 20-Jun-17. Decanted 2½ hours.