The night was no longer young. Guests had had their fill of
white and red table wines. The hostess
at A-Prentice suggested it was time to open a port. This was to be a useful signal to attendees
that the evening was drawing to an end.
We had sorted out a small election to choose from, and after one wine that
was rather a disaster, it was prudent to open a more respected label.
The chosen wine was the 1975
Sandeman Vintage Port. Not by any
means the grandest port house, and indeed deemed secondary level by many
aficionados. And the vintage, 1975, a
sound, but hardly spectacular year. For those
who knew very little, it was an interesting, if not exciting wine, at a
venerable 41 years old. Some of the
guests had not been born at that time, and other only had vague memories of
childhood. Others were in the flush of
youth. But for those in the know about
port wine, the signs were not auspicious for a great bottle.
Sometimes a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Sure enough, opening the wine, it was very
pale. Rose and light orange hues. But on palate the most delicate and
delightful ethereal perfumes. Florals
and subtle notes of sweet red fruits. A
little raisin too. The palate very light
and ethereal in flavours. But positive
in line and length, with a seducing sweetness.
The wine very smooth flowing with a very soft core, and just enough acid
to ensure tension. Delicious in the most
refined and elegant way. It would
disappoint those with a disposition for heavy or hearty. We were all pleased with it.
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