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A red wine from the Sandeman stable; Douro DOC. From a translation of the rear label, I believe that this wine spent 10 years in cask before being bottled. 12,023 bottles were produced and this is bottle number 4,176. The label recommends 3-4 hour decant, but only 1 hour could be spared before drinking.

Deep red in colour, some bricking on the rim but amazingy dark. Closed on the nose, with nothing more than a little farmyard essence. Lightly fruity on the palate, very fresh with lots of sour cherry. Still substantial tannins in the wine and a good complexity amidst the light fruit. Lovely white cherry aftertaste and great length. An enjoyable wine that will keep for a few years yet. 84/100. Drunk 17 June 2012.

Thanks for the TN, going to let mine rest a week or so then give one a go.

Alex,
I finally opened a bottle, here's my note on it.

1988 Sandeman Confradeiro Reserva Douro
I didn't know Sandeman made a Douro wine back in the 80's so I was surprised to see these being sold at the Lodge when I visited this past June. I had to grab a couple to bring home with me. Sandeman's website shows a picture of the 1997 vintage, otherwise there is only a brief mention of them making a Douro wine. While there was some bricking the color was still a very youthful dark purple, surprising given it's age. The nose was also a surprise as it was like smelling sweet cake frosting with some iodine in the background. The cake frosting smell slowly subsided as the bottle sat opened which allowed the iodine to become more prominent. Light bodied and with the fruit drying out, yet lots of acidity. I wondered by the deep color and high acidity if this has some portion of Souzao grapes in it. The finish was short and the weakest part of this bottle. This bottle shows past its best years but was still fun to try such an old Douro wine.
86 Points