Sandeman 225th Anniversary Collection

TASTING NOTES: Sandeman Porto The Hat and Cape Vintage

This is a deep-coloured wine with faint brick hues, dominated by aromatic notes of mint cedar and tobacco box. It reveals the presence of spices such as pepper and cinnamon, ripe black fruits and slight chocolate hits, the result of an excellent maturation. On the palate, displays an exceptional balance and structure, with harmonious tannins, and a long complex finish of cedar, mint, and ripe black fruits.

30% Touriga Nacional, 30% Touriga Franca, 20% Tinta Roriz, 10% Tinto Cão, 10% Tinta Barroca

HARVEST YEAR

Dry winter with temperatures above average for February and March, resulting in water stress at the moment of budburst. Sharp fall in temperature accompanied by heavy rains in April and May sometimes brought about physiological imbalance in the vines. Very vigorous growth in May and June led to coulure (shatter), especially mid-slope and at high altitude. Tinta Roriz was the worst affected grape variety. The same weather conditions favoured the development of mildew, which reduced the crop even further. The summer was warm, with a few thunderstorms in August and water mostly in adequate supply. Picking started on September 13th, simultaneously in the Douro superior and the Cima Corgo. It proceeded normally with a bit of rain that became more frequent after the equinox, but without causing serious damage to the grapes.

WINEMAKER: Luís Sottomayor VARIETIES