winemaker's notes:
Rich in the fruit and fire that typifies a great Vintage Port, Sandman 1997 Vau Vintage has full, lush qualities balanced by a good structure of tannins which make it appealing to drink young. It will also age well over the next decade.
Store Vau Vintage in an area that maintains a constant temperature of 50°F to 68°F, with some humidity and semi-darkness, avoiding bright, intense light. All Vintage Port should be stored in horizontal position allowing their long, straight corks to be moist, thus guaranteeing a perfect seal.
Although this wine is meant to be appreciated at an earlier stage of maturation in the bottle, there is potential for longer-term bottle aging if desired. As with all wines maturing in the bottle, Vau Vintage will throw natural sediments over the years. For greater enjoyment, it is important to decant the wine to avoid sediment and cloudiness. Stand the bottle up before opening and then remove the cork carefully using a good corkscrew. Slowly pass the wine into a decanter, taking care to leave all sediment in the bottle. Vau Vintage is ready to be served. As with all wines matured in bottle, enjoy within 24 hours of opening with intense rich, chocolate dessert, fine cheeses at the end of a meal, or as a digestive along with a good cigar.
