Tasting notes:

Sandeman’s is a recognised expert in the blending of tawny Ports, and this 20-year old tawny is unbelievably delicious. The wine is artisanally-crafted by head winemaker Luís Sottomayor from a multitude of wines that have been aged for an average of at least 20 years, and the final blend will often have some much older wines incorporated. The very old wines are often held in glass demi johns to preserve the fruit and wood-aged flavours in balance until blending. Pale amber in hue with orange and vieux rose highlights, the wine shows intense aromatics: caramel, hazelnuts and cashews, dried apricot, raisin, prune, crushed rose petals and even more. The palate is sweet, with fortified alcohol so well integrated that it is barely noticeable. Layered, textured and savoury with complex character adding notes of coffee, vanilla pod and milk chocolate to the dried fruits, the wine has lively acidity and velvet tannin texture leading to a lingering finish. The wine is great to sip and savour on its own but will match mascarpone tartlets with mixed berries or Southern peach pie. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)