TN: N.V. Sandeman Porto 20 Year Old Tawny (Portugal, Douro, Porto)

WINE TALK
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  • N.V. Sandeman Porto 20 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (4/7/2011)
    Tasted over six days. The first third of this bottle was shared with friends paired with Rogue River Bleu Cheese. That pairing was simply magical. These two items seemed to be created for each other. One person in the group was firmly anti-bleu, and after tasting with this, he found some ground that he could enjoy the cheese.

The wine over the first couple of days showed a bit of fumes on the nose along with almonds and some orange. By itself especially on the first two days it showed so much complexity that it would stop you in your tracks. Layers of sweet, nutty components which dazzle the palate. Amazing length.

The second half of this journey showed the caramel and nuts coming to the forefront. This has displayed tremendous acidity throughout and a sneaky lemon/orange note will peek in at you periodically. Good tannins throughout, but noticeably integrated on the last few days. The final night brings a honeyed creme brûlée flavor which is just a delight.

Wow- what a wine.

Posted from CellarTracker

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Nice note. I agree that this is a fine wine. Recently, I have enjoyed a glass of Tawny after dinner on evenings w/o dessert.

Although I have not gone farther than the 20 year category, Sandeman 20 year is my favorite of around 15 I have tasted over the last year or so. Most of the others seem young and rough by comparison.

Delicate, smooth, nutty, sweet but not too sweet. I find notes of freshly dried raisins, almond toffee and caramel.

As much as I might like the idea of a cheaper wine for my house port, I can no longer do it.

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My favorite 20 YO Tawny!