1955 Sandeman Vintage Port

[John Danza]

• 1955 Sandeman Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (4/13/2011)
  Served from double magnum. The color was a light rust, with some cloudiness. The wine had a good bit of alcohol heat that masked much of the flavors, but the plum fruit is still there underneath. There is only a medium sweetness at this point. The wine had been double decanted but I don't know how far in advance. Perhaps more air was necessary? Still very good with the chocolate ganache dessert. (85 pts.)

[Andy Velebil]

Very sorry to hear this didn't show better than it did. Double mags of any old VP are rare and for it to show that much evolution is a shame. Do you know anything about the bottles history?

[John Danza]

Very sorry to hear this didn't show better than it did. Double mags of any old VP are rare and for it to show that much evolution is a shame. Do you know anything about the bottles history?

The owner said he had recently purchased it at auction, but I don't know which one. The bottle looked good. I don't know if this was a weak vintage for Sandeman. Any thoughts on that Andy?

[Andy Velebil]

No it wasn't a weak vintage for them which is why it's a bit shocking to hear it showed so much evolution. Very possible storage was issue somewhere along the way, an off bottle perhaps, or even issues with the cork sealing well enough (which larger formats are prone to), or something else.

[Roy Hersh]

Best bottles of 1955 Sandeman are still wonderful today and should show a medium ruby color w/ slight bricking on the rim. A great example from our recent discussion on provenance. A double magnum given the volume, should likely even be darker than the 750s. A shame.

[Roy Hersh]

John,

If you have a look at the For the Love of Port Facebook page, you'll see another magnum of Sandeman 1955 and the color of the wine ... from an ex-cellars perfect bottling.

[John Danza]

I just took a look Roy, and "liked" your page. I wish the double mag looked that good.