The 1970 Sandeman Vintage Porto has a rather conservative bouquet, with notes of decayed red fruit, allspice, sandalwood and fennel, but those aromas feel rather constrained and straight-laced. Returning after several minutes, it finally begins to “motor” but is never totally convincing. The palate is better with supple, spicy red plums mixed with peppercorns and tobacco, a gentle honeyed texture and a light, focused finish that lingers in the mouth. The palate deserves better aromatics, although I feel that decanting will allow this to blossom. Not a bad mature port and yet it would pale against the likes of Taylors or Fonseca. Drink now-2025.