Sandeman Founder's Reserve Ruby Porto (750Ml)

Sandeman Founder’s Reserve Ruby Porto is a great first step into port. The grapes come from Portugal’s Douro Valley. Sandeman blends wines that are mostly three to five years old. That gives an average age of about four years in oak. The house has been making port since 1790.

Pour a glass and you’ll see a deep, bright ruby color. The nose is full of rich red fruit, with ripe cherry and plum. A light touch of age sits underneath. It smells generous but never heavy.

On the palate, sweet cherry comes first, followed by plum and blackberry. You may catch a hint of chocolate as it opens. The body is medium and lively. The finish is sweet and warming, with a gentle grip of tannin.

It has a strong record with judges. It took Gold from Mundus Vini and Jancis Robinson in 2019 and 2022. It also won Silver at the 2018 Decanter World Wine Awards and the 2018 International Wine & Spirit Competition. scored it 93 points in 2022.

Serve it at cool cellar temperature, around 14 to 16°C, in a large glass. Once it’s open, enjoy it within four weeks. It loves cheese, especially blue cheese, and rich chocolate desserts. If you’re new to port wines, this is a friendly bottle to start with.