ThePortForum.com

On Tuesday 18th September 2012 some of the obvious suspects gathered in the Bung Hole, for company and entertainment, and to taste some Ports, including several samples of Sandeman Vau.

Links:

• Review of the evening as a whole;
• 1997 Sandeman Vau (Stevens Garnier, 37½cl);
• 1997 Sandeman Vau (Oporto Airport, 37½cl);
• 1999 Sandeman Vau (Stevens Garnier, 37½cl);
• 2000 Sandeman Vau (Oddbins, 75cl);
• 2000 Sandeman Vau (Stevens Garnier, 37½cl);
• 2003 Sandeman Vau (Stevens Garnier, 75cl);
• 1992 Dow Quinta do Bomfim;
• 1994 Morgan;
• 1994 Tesco;
• 2003 Sainsbury’s;
• Graham Crusted bottled 2004;
• 1986 Niepoort Colheita bottled 2010;
• Placemats;
• Planning and arrangements.

Deep red, opaque. Showing slightly dusty fruit on the nose. Restrained on the palate on entry; slow to show the fruit, but this develops well until it fills the palate. There is a rich fruitcake aftertaste and a tremendous length finish. This is fine vintage port. 89/100. Decanted 24 hours.

Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference 2003: dark red-purple. Taste started with lots of cedar, and smoke behind. Fruits then appeared, dark berry, with a light ending.

really good port and for me the winner of the night. A bit of blue berry muffin taste; strong dark berry nose; good body structure with profound tannins. Long finish. Needs at least another 10-15 years bottleage to show its true potential and to be ready for drinking.