Sandeman ‘Vintage’ 2016
Grape Varietals: 40% Touriga Nacional, 40% T. Franca, 10% Tinta Roriz, 5% Tinto Cão & 5% Sousão
Growing Region: Douro Valley - Portugal
Head Winemaker: Luís Sottomayor
After working in the Douro Valley in July 2023, I had the pleasure to spend quality time with the crew of Sandeman at their impressive cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. For this wine, like others, they used traditional techniques. Starting its journey at the Quinta do Seixo winery from grapes grown there along with Quinta do Vau. After the selection process, the grapes were destemmed and gently crushed and before undergoing time honoured traditional Port winemaking, with treading in granite lagares and controlled fermentation before precise fortification and then the first resting.
The wine had its first racking during that winter, then the following spring transferred to Vila Nova de Gaia, with traditional aging in oak casks. During this period, the wines are subject to racking and testing to evaluate their character. The final parcels were chosen after a rigorous selection process, with only the highest quality being used for this vintage.
This wine was not filtered or fined, so a natural deposit will therefore form in the bottle. This vintage was bottled in early 2018. To aid the next stage, this wine is in black glass to provide protection against the effects of light, and closed with a cork used for Vintage Porto. Store horizontally at 13º-15ºC.
★ You are greeted by a rich, absorbing black red colour with shining hue. On the hypnotic aroma your senses are engaged by intense notes of dark fruits, cacao, dried-herbs, truffles and a spiced undertone. This wine is no shrinking violet, with a generosity engaging all corners of your palate. This vintage wine has a charming intensity, showcasing complexity and a luscious nature, with a balanced lift of fruit acidity. Wrapped in confident tannins, delivering those generous dark berry flavours, cacao and infused spice, resulting in a long memorable finish.
This Sandeman ‘Vintage’ 2016 Port has 20% Alc./vol. With 95g/L of residual sugar. Broad-based decanting will be appreciated if opened within the first 15 years - and serve in an aromatic shaped wine glass at 15º- 17ºC. - *NZ$220.00
CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Article Posted 28/6/24)
Broad-based decanting required for the first 10-15 years, drinking well now; though it would appreciate another 4 - 5 years and then can age nicely for another 18 - 20 years.
FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with high-cacao chocolate desserts, coffee-chocolate torte, rich puddings with a dark sweet sauce & vanilla ice-cream, plus most enjoyable with aged strong blue-cheeses - enjoy.
