George,
As you may or may not know, the specific Port which took me down this very exciting Port path 27 years ago, was while working in a fine dining establishment in NYC, we had bottle after bottle of the 1963 Sandeman Vintage Port in a very early model, Cruvinet system for over a year. Whenever the sommelier would open a new bottle and decant it through cheese cloth, he'd call me into the bar and he'd rachet the cheesecloth, squeezing it from above my head and into my mouth and that is how I first learned to love Port wine. I've had that specific Port 20-30x over the years and it was the bottle I opened for my father's 70th birthday party, along with his birthyear VP too. The last bottle I tried of the 1963 was two years ago in London, at a tasting with Derek, Andy and several others who post here ... and it was the best showing of any Sandeman 1963 I've had in over a decade, just a superb bottle.
It is great to have you join
and it brings back my memory of our first meeting, here in Seattle circa 1997 or so. I distinctly remember the 1955 Sandeman that day along with others, but particularly the 1955 as it was simply beautiful and showing quite young. Other fond moments in reminiscence, was bringing our first (and small) tour group to visit you in 2005 and sharing bottles of the 1935 Sandeman which I brought from home for that evening's dessert. It was a pleasure to meet Mrs. Sandeman that evening too. But I will never forget shaking Vito and your hand in June 2003 at the Palacio da Bolsa upon enthronement in the Confraria. I am very much looking forward to seeing you again in about 5 weeks time and having a nice reunion.
Like you, I am a BIG fan of the 1945 Sandeman and have only had it on four occasions, but always love it. Here is a note from the most recent bottle which I brought to share with a dozen Port lovers in San Francisico a half decade ago:
1945 Sandeman Vintage Port
Rich, dense, with youthfulness that belies the true age of this fine VP. Due to the preserved ruby and a rim which showed little development, most guesses at the table were in the mid-1980 range and only one person thought "1970" out loud. Offering a great nose of rose petals, spicy cinnamon and licorice. This Port provided palate pleasing plump red berry fruit and sweet grenadine flavors that were quite appealing, with concentrated flavors that improved in the glass. Overall, a skillfully balanced VP providing a smooth, velvety finish with candied nut nuances that kept on coming. As good a showing as any '45 Sandeman I've experienced. Drink now or anytime during the next decade. A great wine to toast a 60th birthday!
94 Points
I am looking forward to reading many fine questions and responses this week and most of all, I hope you have fun here!
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And glad to hear about the future Facebook-type plans... I can't wait!
