Total newbe here! I’m helping a friend find out about an old bottle of Sandeman Port that was given to him. We are not wine collectors or port drinkers. With some research, I have determined that the port was bottled between 1928 and 1936. It is in good condition (no seepage, original lead capsule, original labels). We are interested in selling it and could use some guidance (maybe some reliable web links specifically dealing in old ports). A (low quality) picture of the bottle is my avatar. More details are available.
You can ask www.brentwoodwine.com and/or www.ackerwines.com for an appraisal. Port, in general, doesn’t seem to command the high prices that Burgundy or Bordeaux achieve. But I have never seen a bottle like this before…
I’d need to know more about it. Can you post a picture as that would help the most. (I can’t see avatar pics from my phone). Depending on what it is it may or may not be worth much. And what area/country are you in as that will also be a factor.
Also how and where has it been stored all these years?
Thank you for the links, Paul. I’ll check them out.
I’d trust Andy’s opinion more than some random guy at an auction house in regards to Port.
Me too, Eric. I just had various technical issues with posting the pictures to the forum so I delayed getting back to Andy.
Still working on getting the pictures posted.
The bottle and I are in Montreal, Canada.
Also how and where has it been stored all these years?
I know that for the last few years it has been stored on it’s side in a cool sub-basement in Montreal. It was not in an actual wine cellar but there would have been little temperature fluctuation. I hope that’s not too hard to handle for all the Port connaisseurs out there. Sorry, I don’t know more than that as far as it’s storage history goes.
Antonia,
You can email me the pic at andy (at) fortheloveofport (dot) com and I can post it for you if that is easier.
OK. Thanks Andy.
I’ve tentatively come up with the range of bottling years for this Port as 1928-1936. On the front label, the words “By Special Appointment to His Majesty King George V” indicate bottling during the reign of King George V, 1910-1936. The caped “Don” logo that appears on the back label was first used by Sandeman in 1928. I’ve been in touch with someone at Sogrape Vinhos, S.A., The House of Sandeman, about the serial numbers on the front label. They’re looking in to it. They may also be able to narrow down the date using details in the glass (mold seam and “S” molded into the the bottom of the bottle) and embossing in the lead capsule.
Did some checking. It was most likely bottled between 1910 to 1936. Based on the bottle and label, closer to the 30’s than the 10’s. The term “Superior” on the front of the label most likely this means it’s a Tawny Port*. Back then Sandeman used symbols and names depending on the type of Port, for Ports other than Vintage Ports. I’ve had an old “three star” Ruby from the same time period with George Sandeman that was still drinkable and nice, but well past it’s best.
Your bottle, as mentioned, is most likely the equivalent of a Reserve Tawny in today’s world. To put that in perspective, about $15-20 (USD) per bottle at retail for a current bottle. While this is probably still drinkable, it most likely isn’t going to be great by any means. More educational than anything else. These were not made to be cellared, but to be drunk sometime soon after bottling. Without known provenance that is also a cause for concern and may effect how well it shows, and the overall value of the bottle.
Putting a price is always hard as people often think they’ve hit the jackpot just because it’s old. Not saying that is you, just speaking generally. However, in this case there isn’t much value in what is simply an old past its best Tawny Port. So to put an estimate to it, I’d say around the $20-30-ish range (USD). If you auction it expect less after the seller fees, etc. I’d suggest you open it with friends, hope for the best, and have a back up bottle in case the worst happens.
- Edit: it could also be a Ruby, depending on what country this was originally sold where they used a name instead of symbols.
Our posts crossed. I assume you’ve been in touch with Ligia, their resident historian, and a wonderful person. I am curious as to what they tell you.
Thankyou for your info, Andy, I appreciate it.
I’ve been in touch with a Luísa at Sogrape regarding the serial number. I’ll post if I get a response. Would you know how I can reach the resident historian, Ligia, that you mention?
Any chance you could post the pictures that I emailed you of the bottle to this forum. I’m getting a few requests for details.
For some reason, the “Upload Attachments” tab does not appear on my REPLY page so I’m not able to post them myself.
Here’s the pic
Back label.
Luisa is very capable to assist you as well.
