Sandeman 40 Years Old Tawny is the oldest of the house's age-dated tawny ports, a deep, mahogany-hued wine carefully matured in small old oak casks and bottled at 20% ABV. Its label sums up the style in a phrase: very complex notes of dried fruits, spices and nuts.
Sandeman was founded in 1790, and its caped figure known as the Don, created in 1928 and placed on the label in 1935, has become one of the most recognisable symbols in the world of wine. Today the house belongs to Sogrape and produces a family of aged tawnies at 10, 20, 30 and 40 years old, with the 40 Years Old at the very top.
The grapes are grown in the Douro Valley, chiefly from estates the house buys from, and include the traditional port varieties Tinta Amarela, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão and Touriga Franca. After fortification, the young wines travel to Sandeman's old cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the river from Porto, where thousands of barrels rest in the cool, humid air.
Tawny port ages in 225-litre casks, slowly losing its deep red colour and gaining amber tones and nutty, oxidative complexity. The 40 Years Old is an average age: the blend brings together wines aged between 30 and 60 years, and the casks are regularly topped up so the house can keep the style consistent. Each bottle carries an individual number and is certified at bottling.
Because tawny port has done all of its ageing in wood, it does not change in the bottle and is ready to enjoy as soon as it is opened, with no need for decanting. Presented in a cylindrical gift tube marked 40 Years, it is a superb bottle to mark a milestone birthday or anniversary, or to share at the end of a special dinner.
Tasting Notes
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Colour: Mahogany with amber tones.
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Palate: Very complex notes of dried fruits, spices and nuts.
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Finish: Long and mellow, shaped by decades in small old oak casks.
Specifications
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Producer: Sandeman (Sogrape), Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
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Style: Aged tawny port
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Age: 40 years old (average age of the blend)
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Grapes: Tinta Amarela, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, Touriga Franca
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ABV: 20%
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Origin: Douro, Portugal
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Serve Sandeman 40 Years Old Tawny slightly chilled, around 55 to 60°F, in a small port or white wine glass, in measures of about three ounces. It is wonderful on its own after dinner, and it pairs beautifully with crème brûlée, pecan or walnut desserts, dark chocolate, blue cheeses and aged hard cheeses. Once opened, close the bottle with its stopper and keep it upright in a cool place; an aged tawny holds its character well for several weeks after opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 40 years old mean on a tawny port?
It is the average age of the blend. Sandeman's 40 Years Old combines wines aged between 30 and 60 years in small oak casks.
Does Sandeman 40 Years Old Tawny need to be decanted?
No. Tawny port does all of its ageing in wood, so it is ready to pour as soon as it is opened and does not throw a sediment.
How strong is it?
It is bottled at 20% ABV, the usual strength for an aged tawny port.
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