Sandeman Porto Fine Tawny (75cl, 19.5%)

Sandeman Fine Tawny is a pale, light-bodied tawny port from the Douro, made without an age statement. The blenders choose the lighter wines of each year, which are aged in small oak casks in Vila Nova de Gaia until the colour turns a clear red-amber. It is a blend of Tinta Amarela, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão and Touriga Franca, filtered and cold-stabilised before bottling, so it pours bright. The emphasis is on freshness rather than depth, and it suits serving chilled as an aperitif. The nose offers vanilla and evolved dried fruit. On the palate it is light, with fresh red fruit alongside the complexity of wood ageing, and the finish is clean and of good length.