Dark ruby-garnet. Very floral on the nose, with loads of berry character and hints of custard pie. Full-bodied and medium-sweet, with a wonderful mouthfeel. Smooth and caressing, with lots of fruit. Complex finish of strawberry, coffee and custard. A real beauty. This turned out much better than I would have ever imagined. '77/'85/'97 blind Port retrospective. Drink now through 2020.

The 1977 Sandeman Vintage Porto has an elegant bouquet with clove, dried dates, fig and hints of furniture polish emerging from the glass. This is nicely focused and unfurls with grace. The palate is well-balanced on the entry with a fine thread of acidity. This is not a heavy-duty 1977 port, but it is nimble, quick on its feet,with a nuanced finish that is slightly attenuated. This is a marked improvement over the 1975 Sandeman, and yet in the context of the declaration, it ought to aspire for greater things. Drink now-2030.