1963 Martinez
Posted: 15:53 Thu 04 Jan 2018
Oporto bottled. A bottle with a mid-shoulder fill and slight signs of seepage on the tissue paper in which the bottle was wrapped.
A very lightly pigmented red cedar colour, 20% opaque and when it went into the decanter from a bottle that was mildly compromised, this did not look promising. The nose is slightly dusty, full of cinnamon and dried lavender. The initial impression on the palate is of a wine which is dominated by flavours of tobacco and dried meat; then a wave of spice, of nutmeg and mace, washes over the tongue, followed by dried sour cherries and a bitter-sweet core of juniper. Slightly hot on the aftertaste with alcohol that shows, this leads to a peppery finish and a long, lingering caress of the bitter-sweet redcurrant and juniper. Very long lasting. This is a lovely, delicate port which is very, very drinkable. If you have any, be aware it is not going to get any better with more time in the bottle. 92/100. 18-Nov-17. Decanted 24 hours.
A very lightly pigmented red cedar colour, 20% opaque and when it went into the decanter from a bottle that was mildly compromised, this did not look promising. The nose is slightly dusty, full of cinnamon and dried lavender. The initial impression on the palate is of a wine which is dominated by flavours of tobacco and dried meat; then a wave of spice, of nutmeg and mace, washes over the tongue, followed by dried sour cherries and a bitter-sweet core of juniper. Slightly hot on the aftertaste with alcohol that shows, this leads to a peppery finish and a long, lingering caress of the bitter-sweet redcurrant and juniper. Very long lasting. This is a lovely, delicate port which is very, very drinkable. If you have any, be aware it is not going to get any better with more time in the bottle. 92/100. 18-Nov-17. Decanted 24 hours.