Sandeman Port Blend Porto Founder's Reserve NV

The nose showed intense cherry liquor, almond extract, dark chocolate and a hint of heat. On the palate it was massive yet still juicy with saturating black cherry and sweet spices that seemed to touch on all the senses. The palate coating finish is long showing chocolate-covered cherry and seemed to melt slowly away.

This porto is surprisingly good for one that can be bought on a supermarket shelf. The combination of red fruits and aged wood is very balanced. The clean, dry finish sneaks up delightfully after a good warm rush of fortified goodness.

This was a fun one, the color was very unexpected (my limited Port experinece, somehow I was expecting this to be like brandy!), but this looked like wine! It had a nose of some higher alcohol, but the taste was refreshing, fruity and a little sweet, but very different from brandy! The best part was enjoying the virtual tasting with some friends and experimenting with some cocktails. We tried our own versions of the Founders Lemonade and the Cosmo, and they were just outstanding! Great cocktails for a summer evening and lots more fun available at the Sandeman website!

Sandy, dusty nose. Rustic bramble fruit, kirsch. On the palate, sweet red berry-dominated fruit. Some black berry and toffee. Rather like Bit O'Honey. Raspberry liquer, brandied cherry. Nice and with god acid. 89 pts.

For under $20, this is one of the better Port wines I have had. Pours a deep dark and clear ruby color. Ample scents of dark fruit and dark berries with a mild undertone of charred wood. From start to finish there is ample plum, raisin, dates and blue/black berry flavors. A nice long lasting creamy texture of dark jam is left on the palate. An excellent value pick if you enjoy drinking Port. This could easily, for me anyway, be my 'everyday' port wine.

Dried cherries and raisins on the nose, smooth and round on the palate, peppery, lingering finish.

a truly wonderful ruby for a very fair price. beautiful hints of cherry, chocolate, and anisette with a hue of vanilla. interesting yet easy to drink. shows a surprising amount of character. bravo!