The 2007 Sandeman Vintage Porto is much more primal and taciturn than the 2003: blackberry, juniper, licorice and cloves but all tightly constrained at the moment. The palate is well-balanced with succulent, ripe, spicy black fruit intermixed with touches of sea salt, marjoram, cloves and raisins. There is certainly very good depth to this 2007, perhaps more a sense of reserve than previous vintages, as if it is determined to hold back and reward those who cellar this for another 20 years. Very fine – a precursor to the 2011. Drink 2017-2040.
Blackish crimson. Looks completely impenetrable. Some attractive savour on top of all that intensely ripe fruit. Very sweet and yet with masses of tannin. We seem to have made a very speedy journey into vintage port orthodoxy! Extremely young and sinewy. Super-dry, liquorice finish. Maybe not quite the weight of a tip-top wine but pretty impressive. Vibrant. Drink: 2025-2070
