2003 Sandeman's Vintage Port

[Lamont Huxley]

One of my local shops has both the 2000 and 2003 Sandeman VPs on sale for a really great price so I've been curious as to whether they're worth investing in for the cellar. I drank a bottle of the 2000 last month and loved it so I figured I'd better try the '03 to see whether I should pick up some of that as well.

I polished this bottle off over the past 3 days -

Seems to have gotten darker after a couple of days in the decanter - black at the center with a burgundy rim. Sweet bouquet of cherry syrup, creme de cassis and powdered sugar with a hint of prune and some spirit as well. Medium-bodied on the palate with sweet cherry and tangy currant fruit flavors, bright acidity and mild tannins. The fruit carries nicely into the mid-palate but takes on a slightly stemmy edge on the back end before tapering off into a medium length finish. Good stuff, just lacks that extra oomph and balance that would put it into the outstanding category. Probably an early to mid-range drinker based on the moderate structure - one that I'd be happy to drink again but definitely not on the same level as the 2000. 89/90 pts, Tasted 4/11

[Eric Menchen]

I bought some of this from the Wine Buyer (NJ) a while ago for $35 each, and I see they still have it at that price. Sounds fair given your assessment. I'll let the rest for a while. Thanks for the note.

[Lamont Huxley]

I bought some of this from the Wine Buyer (NJ) a while ago for $35 each, and I see they still have it at that price. Sounds fair given your assessment. I'll let the rest for a while. Thanks for the note.

At that price I'd say it's definitely worth it. I may pick up a bottle or two myself but I'd give it at least another 5 years before popping another one. Hopefully some more time in bottle will take the edge off.

[Andy Velebil]

Lamont,
Good TN! The 2003 is a good Port, but as you've mention isn't into the top tier for this vintage. Their 2007 on the other hand is a rock star and I hope it is the return of future Sandeman's into the top tier for VP's. If you've not tried it I highly recommend it.

[Lamont Huxley]

Thanks Andy. I've read the high praise for the '07 and I'd love to get some but haven't seen it in any shops around here yet. It's definitely on my wish list though...

[Eric Menchen]

The 2007 is correspondingly priced 2x what the 2003 can be found for. D'oh! It might be good, but for $70 I'll buy more Noval or Niepoort. How does the Sandeman compare to those?

[Andy Velebil]

The 2007 is up there with the best of them and somehow falls under the radar in major reviews. But I was very impressed with the two times I tasted it.

[Roy Hersh]

I tried this yet again in February and it is in a beautiful place for a baby. The 2007 is the finest Sandeman in decades and not a far cry from the top few VPs of 2007, certainly in the top handful. Yet there was a good amount released and the prices are not that out of control.