Sandeman Founders Reserve Port

Wine: Sandeman Founders Reserve Port

Grapes: Touriga nacional (50 percent), touriga francesa (50 percent)

Region: Porto, Portugal

Vintage: Nonvintage

Price: $17.99

In the glass: Sandeman Founders Reserve is a deep purplish-crimson red with an opaque core going out into a fine violet-tinged rim definition with ultrahigh viscosity.

On the nose: This port comes out with warm, fruity blueberry and jammy plum, layered with warm pudding, vanilla creme brulee and macerated red fruits, with nice underlying wood and earthy notes of allspice, cardamom and clove, almost like a nice glass of Danish glogg.

On the palate: Sandeman Founders Reserve is powerful, with dark stewed fruits and sweetish at first, but then has well-structured fruit layered with figs, dates and some creme caramel. It is smooth and rich on the palate with silky tannins, and finishes firmly with phenolic spice components and sweetness. But overall, it is very berrylike and attractive to drink. It is not overly sticky, and is excellent for drinking with food.

Odds and ends: This is perfect for your holiday table. It should be enjoyed in the traditional fashion, slightly cooler than room temperature. Sandeman Founders Reserve goes great with strong cheese, especially Stilton or other blue cheese. It can easily be opened and then kept around throughout the holiday season. Considering the long-term drinking potential this has, the cost is good for this time of year.

Gil Lempert-Schwarz’s wine column appears Wednesdays. Write him at P.O. Box 50749, Henderson, NV 89016-0749, or e-mail him at gil@winevegas.com.