1963 Ferreira

[Alex Bridgeman]

A bottle ullaged to a point a little below low shoulder. Deeper in colour than either of the previous two ullaged bottles. A deep orange-brown, richly coloured and reminiscient of the colour of caramel or treacle. Odd scent on the nose, a mixture of floral perfumes mixed with black treacle. Very smooth texture in the mouth, pleasant flavour with lively acidity. The mid-palate builds up many layers of flavour and complexity and is extremely enjoyable. The aftertaste starts with a burst of heat, but quickly settles down to a long length of brown sugar and milk chocolate. More complex and enjoyable than the previous two bottles, but not showing at its best. Better and with more barley-sugar and marmalade after two hours in the decanter. Perfectly drinkable. 27 April 2009.

[Alex Bridgeman]

With 48 hours in the decanter (kept at cellar temperature - 12C) this has turned into something really rather pleasant and much better than it was on the first day. It's now full of sweet marmalade oranges. Yummy.