Monday, February 3, 2025

Delicious, value-driven Ruby Port for Valentine's Day

Happy February. January felt like a lot, generally, and congrats if you’ve done dry January or generally tried to make improvements in your lives and the lives of others.

If you celebrate Valentine’s Day, or you’re looking for something to treat yourself in these cold days, I’ve got a wine this week that would be a great choice.

I’m talking about Port. And not the kind that costs a ton and you have to age for decades – the entry level, crushable, value-driven Ruby Port. Sandeman is a classic producer (dating back to 1790) of these traditional Portuguese fortified wines and they craft a range of classic styles with unique flair. They recently released their reliably delicious Ruby Port with a new canister and packaging (a cooperation with Lisbon-based street artist OzeArv) that could make for a nice gift for the wine lover in your life.

Wishing you all the best during this month of February!

This wine was received as a sample and tasted sighted.

N.V. Sandeman Porto Founder's Reserve Ruby Port - Portugal, Douro, Porto
SRP: $25
Vibrant purple/violet color. Deep, warm, inviting nose of baked cherry pie, sweet plums, and blackberries, mixed with tones of roasted chestnut, anise, and coffee. It has the classic Ruby plush texture, and shows smooth tannins, integrated sweetness, and fresh acidity. Flavors of rich plums and black cherries blend well with nuances of anise, Christmas cookie, coffee, roasted nuts, and some subtle earth. Rich and plush but shows freshness as well – would be a great crowd-pleaser or entry into Port, but has complexity and depth as well. (89 points)