Sandeman’s Port hits 225 years

The Don’s Still Looking Good…

With its distinctive sign of the Don, the ancient port house of Sandeman’s continues to thrive

Article by Rupert Watkins

The great port houses are known to prize their family heritage and Sandeman’s is no different. Now in the hands of the ninth family head, George Sandeman, the port house is celebrating 225 years in the business.

Founded in 1790 by George’s namesake, George (The Founder), the house quickly prospered with the Sandeman’s lodge being built in Porto in 1797. Despite the Peninsula Wars during the Napoleonic era, the house thrived supplying the Duke of Wellington in 1810 and by the 1830s being the largest port shipper.

From the many decades, Sandeman’s has been one of the most innovative advertisers of fortified wines. From large scale billboards to the iconic 1928 picture of the silhouette in a black Portuguese student’s cape and Spanish hat by George Massiot-Brown, the port house has led to way in marketing tools and services for its stockists.

To celebrate 225 years, appropriately Sandeman’s took over the cellars at The Don in St Swithin’s Lane, the site of George (The Founder’s) Sandeman’s original cellars. Welcomed with excellent white port cocktails – this type of port being very over looked as a base for drinks – Sandeman’s porto vintage-quinta do seixo 2013, a 20 year-old Tawny and a porto vau vintage 2000 were sampled in turn to show the quality of the house and to toast its next 225 years.

All were quite stunning; but even as a vintage port lover the standout for me was the 20 year old tawny. Fresh on the nose with lightly roasted nuts and caramel on the palette this was exceedingly drinkable. Very smooth and with a lingering aftertaste this wold be an excellent choice to serve those still “getting into” their ports this festive season. The 2000 vintage is already able to be enjoyed and was delicious with rich, plummy and raspberry notes and a wonderful sweet aftertaste.

After a quick speech by the current George, the impressive Sandeman birthday cake was cut up and enjoyed by all. The Don’s still in good form….