1963 Martinez

[Alex Bridgeman]

A bottle from my cellar and drunk at Quinta do Noval with Carlos Agrellos and Patricia Bastos at dinner on the second night of our two night stay.

Martínez 1963, bottled by Peter Bedford. Decanted 1½ hours. Light copper coloured, 20% opaque. Lovely dusty cherry on the nose, candied citrus zest. Light on the palate, slightly fiery with menthol showing, the fruit drying out a little but dried cranberry on the aftertaste. Not an intense wine, but with a nice acidic punch. Good bitter fruit finish. Nice length. Carlos felt it was likely to be better the following night. 88/100.