Sandeman 40 Year Old Tawny Porto is the oldest and most concentrated of the house's aged tawnies, a blend of ports that have spent decades maturing in oak casks. Sandeman blends wines that are usually between 30 and 55 years of age to create a port of remarkable depth, bottled at 20% ABV.
The grapes are picked by hand in the Douro Valley, where the young wines stay until the spring after the harvest. They are then taken down river to the Sandeman lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia, opposite Porto, to age slowly in oak casks. Over the years, gentle contact with air through the wood turns the wine from a rich ruby to a deep amber and builds layers of dried fruit, nuts and spice.
Sandeman, founded in 1790 and famous for the caped Don figure on its labels, is one of the great names of the port trade. The 40 Year Old is among its most decorated wines: Decanter World Wine Awards scored it 99 points in 2021 and 97 points in 2022, and it earned Gold at the IWSC and the International Wine Challenge in 2021.
An aged tawny is ready to drink the moment it is opened and needs no decanting, which makes it an easy and generous bottle to bring out after dinner or to give to someone who appreciates fine fortified wine.
Tasting Notes
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Colour: Deep amber, developed from the original ruby during long cask ageing.
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Nose: A large bouquet of vanilla, oak and honey.
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Palate: Very complex, with dried fruits, spices and nuts, balancing long wood ageing with vibrancy.
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Finish: Long, nutty and gently spiced.
Specifications
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Producer: Sandeman
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Style: Aged Tawny Port
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Age: 40 years old (blend of wines usually 30 to 55 years old)
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Ageing: Oak casks in Vila Nova de Gaia
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Region: Douro, Portugal
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ABV: 20%
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Serve slightly cool, at about 57 to 61°F, in a small wine glass. It is ready to pour without decanting, though a few minutes in the glass lets the bouquet open. Enjoy it on its own, with coffee and fine dark chocolate, with nutty desserts or with intense cheeses. Once opened, keep the bottle upright and finish it within two to three months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old are the wines in Sandeman 40 Year Old Tawny?
The blend uses wines usually between 30 and 55 years of age, aged in oak casks.
Does it need decanting?
No. It is ready to drink without decanting, though a little air helps the aromas open.
How long does it keep once opened?
Sandeman recommends finishing it within two to three months of opening.
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