For The Love Of Port

I recently acquired this bottle of “Partners Port” by Sandeman from 1977. The box insert says it is a blend of vintage ports.

What should I expect for flavor (if I open it)? Like a ruby reserve?

I see claims that it is a 1977 VP, and also that it is a blend of VPs. Since it was bottled/released in 1977, though, only the blend is possible. (The 1977 VP would not have been ready for release until 1979.)

If it is, indeed, a blend then the most accurate comparison would be a Crusted Port. Assuming no flaws in the bottle or cork, that should be noticeably better than a Ruby Reserve. At this point it should seem similar to a well-aged Vintage Port.

Partners port is a young ruby port. I’d assume that’s what’s in it since they call it that (and it’s still made I believe).

Should be drinkable. Don’t expect greatness.

Very cool pick up. I checked Cellartracker and there were a couple of write-ups albeit under a few separate names for the Port. Both write ups were favorable. Go to Cellartracker and look up Sandeman Partners and a few different threads will pop up, but they both are clearly talking about your bottle. One of the reviews is in French so you'll need Google Translate

I have one of the black “decanters” and also a white one that was used for Sherry if I’m not mistaken. They are cool collectibles.

Thanks for the context. In case anyone finds it interesting, this is the inside of the hang tag.

I doubt I will open I any time soon.

I’m surprised the cork on yours is still holding. They aren’t the best corks that’s for sure.

BTW, there’s no real collectors value to them. Just a cool decanter to have.

Andy Velebil wrote: ↑Wed Jul 15, 2026 5:53 pm Partners port is a young ruby port. I’d assume that’s what’s in it since they call it that (and it’s still made I believe).

Should be drinkable. Don’t expect greatness.

It looks to me like the Royal Silver Jubilee version is different, but admittedly the references online also don't always seem to notice that there might be a difference.

Glenn E. wrote:

Andy Velebil wrote: ↑Wed Jul 15, 2026 5:53 pm Partners port is a young ruby port. I’d assume that’s what’s in it since they call it that (and it’s still made I believe).

Should be drinkable. Don’t expect greatness.

It looks to me like the Royal Silver Jubilee version is different, but admittedly the references online also don't always seem to notice that there might be a difference.

The reference in the box tag refers to when Partners port was first made over 100 yrs ago. That’s not what’s in it when they made these. Nor is it what Partners Port is now (or back in the 70’s).

Edit: IIRC, there were subsequent ones made. I think they were made by Royal Doulton and not Wedgwood. Wedgwood made the original batch. Well, that is if I remember correctly.

I think the references that I found online were probably confusing this commemorative bottle with the 1977 Sandeman Silver Jubilee Vintage Port.

Andy Velebil wrote: ↑Thu Jul 16, 2026 10:23 am I’m surprised the cork on yours is still holding. They aren’t the best corks that’s for sure.

BTW, there’s no real collectors value to them. Just a cool decanter to have.

Thanks, I assumed it was nothing special in terms of port wine. But finding an unopened statue decanter was too cool to miss out on.