…commanding character

Sandeman used ‘traditional’ Port production methods for this wine. As after soft-crushing and partial destemming - maceration took place via foot-treading in granite lagares. Then at the start of fermentation, the partial wine and juice was pumped in stainless steel tanks at a set temperature, in order to extract the inherent qualities from the grape skins. The wine's balance and harmony, as well body and structure, result from the selection of indigenous grapes and the key moment to end the fermentation and add grape spirit to the desired strength. Sandeman are well known for careful selection and blending high quality fruit parcels to create a strong, full-bodied and character filled ‘Late Bottled Vintage’ Port - while maintaining the style of a single-vintage wine.
The wine then remained in the Douro until the following spring - when it was transferred to Vila Nova de Gaia where it matured in traditional oak casks. During this period, it was subject to periodic racking, and various tasting and analysis to monitor its development. The final blend was made after a rigorous selection process, using only wines befitting the quality and style of Sandeman’s LBV. This wine was not filtered, so a natural deposit will therefore form in the bottle.
This wine has been aged between 4-5 years before bottling, so can be enjoyed now, though it will continue to evolve positively for another 8-10 years. To aid this journey, this wine has been bottled in black glass to provide protection against the effects of light, and closed with a cork, like that used for Vintage Porto. Store horizontally at 13º-15ºC.

★ You are greeted by a rich, absorbing dark red colour with a shining hue. On the nose your senses are engaged by dynamic aromas of dark fruits, mocha-chocolate then a secondary wave of dried-herbs, truffles along with a splash of red and black fruits, and balanced with spicy undertones. On the generous palate the wine has an intensity, showcasing a refined complexity, with a lush mouthfeel, and a lift of fruit acidity all wrapped in confident tannins, alongside generous dark berry flavours, cacao and infused spice, resulting in a balanced lingering finish.

This LBV Port gives immense pleasure with early drinking - if opened, enjoy at its peak within 7-10 days. This Port has not been filtered, so will have a sediment when aged.

This Sandeman ‘Late Bottled Vintage’ 2016 Port has 20% Alc./vol. 100g/L of residual sugar. Decanting will be required for the last few glasses *(stand vertically a day before opening) - and serve in an aromatic shaped wine glass at 15º- 16ºC. - *NZ$54.00

CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Review 5/5/23)
Respectful decanting will be required with time, drinking well this coming season; plus, if not opened will/can age nicely for another 8 - 10 years.

FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with high-cacao chocolate desserts, coffee-chocolate torte, rich steamed puddings with a dark sauce puddings or with vanilla cream, plus very enjoyable with figs and aged strong blue-cheeses - enjoy.