Sandeman Vintage Porto 2018 is a declared vintage port from one of the great houses of the Douro, made only in exceptional years. The grapes came from two of Sandeman's finest estates in the Cima Corgo near Pinhão, Quinta do Seixo and Quinta do Vau, and the wine was made at Quinta do Seixo.
Vinification follows traditional port methods. The grapes were gently crushed and destemmed, then given a very intense maceration during fermentation, with foot treading in granite lagares at controlled temperatures, before fortification with grape spirit. The wine is bottled at 21% ABV.
The 2018 was highly praised on release: Wine Enthusiast awarded it 96 points, Robert Parker 95 and the Decanter World Wine Awards 95. It can be enjoyed now but gains complexity with age in the bottle and is expected to drink well for 20 to 25 years and beyond.
As a vintage port it continues to develop in the bottle and forms a natural sediment over time, which makes it a wonderful bottle to lay down for a birthday, anniversary or a child born in 2018.
Tasting Notes
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Colour: Deep, almost opaque.
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Nose: Spice, curry, pepper and ginger, with red berries, black fruit, a light touch of cacao and a slightly stony note.
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Palate: Intense and complex, with lively acidity, firm tannins and a very long finish.
Specifications
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Producer: Sandeman
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Style: Vintage Port
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Vintage: 2018
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Estates: Quinta do Seixo and Quinta do Vau, Cima Corgo
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Vinification: Foot treading in granite lagares
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Region: Douro, Portugal
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ABV: 21%
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Stand the bottle upright for a day, open it with care and decant it off its sediment, then let it breathe before serving at about 61 to 64°F. Enjoy it with blue cheeses such as Stilton, dark chocolate desserts or walnuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do the grapes come from?
From Sandeman's Quinta do Seixo and Quinta do Vau in the Cima Corgo, Douro.
How long will it age?
It is expected to drink well for 20 to 25 years and beyond.
Does it need decanting?
Yes, especially after some years in the bottle, as vintage port forms a natural sediment.
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