Ken Gargett - Winepilot

In many respects, Sandeman is probably the least likely inclusion in this list. These days, many think it second tier at best. Originally founded way back in 1790 by George Sandeman when just 25, operations were out of London for nearly a century before the move to Vila Nova de Gaia (which is basically the area across the Douro River from Oporto where the Port houses are located and now very much a tourist destination). The reason for the reputation suffering is largely linked to the purchase of the company in the 1980s by Seagram, but it was sold on to Sogrape early this century and things are on the improve. The 1963 is usually considered as one of Sandeman’s greatest VPs. The wine on the day was astonishing, surely right at peak. Amazing color, a bright if slightly pale garnet. Delightfully fragrant with a perfumed licorice note, white chocolate, hints of mocha. Immaculately balanced and with extraordinary length. I would not be holding on to this. It is absolutely at peak now. 98.

Wine Spectator

This may be one of the most underrated '63s made. Its deep red color gives little indication of the wine's age, and there is an abundance of youthful, rich fruit on the nose and palate. Full tannins and an assertive finish back up everything. Will still improve with age.

Tastingbook.com

Jamie Goode

Orange/red colour. Faintly cloudy. Warm complex nose with some fresh spiciness, a hint of toffee and some cherry notes. The palate is elegant mellow and quite dense with a subtle spicy, earthy quality. Broad, rounded and mouthfilling with a subtle earthy dimension and mellow complexity. 94/100

Robert Parker

The 1963 Sandeman Vintage Porto has a bewitching bouquet with mulberry, cloves, allspice and balsam that gently unfold in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with great tension. There is a fine edginess here, an uncommon sense of brio with dried fig and dried prune; then with further aeration, white pepper and cloves. It gently builds in the mouth and leads you to a very elegant and refined finish that will last another decade at least. Stylish and suave, this is somewhat predictably the best Sandeman of this era. Drink now-2030.

Pekka Nuikki

Vin med Mouridsen

Rødbrun med orange kant. Modne bær og cigarkasse i næsen. Fint med frugtfylde i munden og god tekstur, stadig høj syre og balance samt en lang, dejlig eftersmag. Synes at være på toppen (93).

Jancis Robinson

There is still a trace of crimson in the pale rose red here! Quite intense and fat on the nose with masses of ripe fruit. Lots of intensity and just coming into its own! What a marvel. Now this is what vintage port should taste like: vigorous and mellow but with lots of potential for further development too. Clean and very ripe. Great freshness. But also intense fruit. Difficult to believe this is 50 years old. Hint of liquorice.

Vivino

(61 bedømmelser, "Højeste kvalitet for pengene af Vintage Port", 05-10-2026)