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

Aliança Garrafeira Particular 1976

15.0 / 20

Producer: Aliança

Region: Bairrada

Country: Portugal

Recently bought at an auction, this was a shot in the dark based only on the assumption that Bairrada wines are supposed to age well.

The maroon, brownish tinged color in the glass was quite inviting and the bouquet followed through, with some balsamic notes, old cupboards, dried plums and some hints of cocoa and chocolate in the background.

Soft bodied, with hints of old leaves, the wine has a balanced acidity. Dried plums and raisins, along with some coffee and cocoa mark the taste that finishes in a medium length finale.

Although it is clearly starting to go downhill, it still is a pleasant, pleasurable wine that will appeal to anyone into old wines.

Tasted on 2011-11-28