Blandy's Verdelho Solera 1870

18.5 / 20

Producer: Blandy's

Region: Madeira

Country: Portugal

Dark amber in the glass, this Solera from the XIX century has an interesting bouquet, starting with some smoke and earthy notes and then opening to something sweeter, with lots of burnt sugars, toffee and dried fruits.

Although it certainly shows some age in the palate, it still shows a remarkable acidity, with a lovely structure and notes of oak and lots of dried fruits. Very long, persistent finish marked by almonds and hazelnuts.

Tasted on 2012-03-05

Ramos Pinto Vintage 1924

18.5 / 20

Producer: Ramos Pinto

Region: Porto

Country: Portugal

I think, from what I've read, this was the first vintage ever from Ramos Pinto. And almost 90 years later, I can saely say it was an excellent premiére.

Amber in the glass, almost golden, this has an amazing bouquet, rich in complexity and subtlety with notes of wax, tobacco, old wood and dried fruits. There are also some lovely cocoa and coffee hints that add to an exquisite and fabulous nose.

On first impact in the palate, what stands out are milk chocolate notes, quickly followed by leather and dried fruits. Fantastic life for its age, still showing some strength, this has one of those never ending, immense finishes that seems to linger forever.

Tasted on 2012-02-06

Blandy's Terrantez 1976

18.5 / 20

Producer: Blandy's

Region: Madeira

Country: Portugal

Bottled in 1997 - after 21 years in oak, this Terrantez is an awesome wine. Amber colored, the bouquet starts by giving us toffee and dried figs along with burnt sugars and exotic wood. Later, something a bit more acid comes through, like sweet oranges. In the background layer, a load of cloves and cinnamon also join an amazingly layered and complex bouquet.

Great impression in the mouth as well, with the wine giving out a slight mineral touch that really made it stand out. Very concentrated and structured, it has a good, crisp, citrus acidity that perfectly balances the sweeter, toffee and caramel side to this. A very long and persistent finish wraps up a world class taste for the rarest grape type in Madeira wine.

Tasted on 2012-01-14

Warre's Vintage 1977

18.5 / 20

Producer: Warre's

Region: Porto

Country: Portugal

A thirty something year-old vintage that still shows an amazing fresh deep red color.

The nose gives us some beautiful red fruit, joined by some honey, dried fruits and spices.

Full bodied in the mouth, it is still very fresh, with the tannins clearly there. Very strong finish. This is a really good vintage and I think it will still grow for some years. It should be even better in five years or so.

Dow's Vintage 1963

18.5 / 20

Producer: Dows

Region: Porto

Country: Portugal

Another great port tasted in the symington taste last November. Almost 50 years old, this port is amazing, with the nose showing dried fruits, alongside with some honey and some smoke notes. The mouth is structured and complex, drier than other Port brands, but showing spices and caramel. Finishes off long and persistent. A truly great Port.

Another vintage that must be tasted by itself.