Sandeman were supplied with grapes by Quinta de la Rosa in the 1963 vintage, who gave the family a pipe of wine to bottle for family use. Philip Bergqvist suggested that it was the same wine as that bottled under the Rebello Valente label by Sandeman's owners - which it might well have been with the differences accounted for by the fact that this wine was stored in the (rather warm) cellar at Quinta de la Rosa for the last 50 years.
More mature in appearance and more orange in tone than the Rebello Valente drunk alongside this wine; 40% opaque. Soft nose with the fruit a little blowsy but fragrant and gentle. Smooth, soft and wonderfully flavoured on the palate with a great acidic core. Big, rich and very flavoursome with a wonderful structure - and even hints of tannins which combines with the acidity to give a wonderful freshness to the fruit. Beautiful elegance to the aftertaste and the long, fragrant finish. A wonderful mature Port with the edges smoothed off in a delightful way. 93/100.
Top Ports in 2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
2025: Quevedo 1972 Colheita, b.2024. Just as good as Niepoort 1900!