1968 Martinez Crusted Port -- bottled in 1968

[Al B.]

I was given a bottle of Martinez Crusted port by a friend who acquired it as a curiousity recently at auction. I opened it last weekend and took this tasting note.

Bottled in 1968 by Robert James Son & Co of Grape Street, London.

At its best after 4-5 hours in the decanter but still a lovely wine after 4 days (although went through a very spirity phase on day 3). This was a pale red wine showing signs of evolution on the colour but still promising much. On the nose were a range of typical tertiary scents - brown sugar and golden syrup. Sweet and thick into the mouth, the initial flavour was of golden syrup but holding the wine in the mouth brought a development of lovely red fruits. The aftertaste was complex and long, the wine slipped down beautifully and led to the development of range of flavours covering demerara sugar and ending with a distinct chocolate note. A wonderful wine, I just wish more crusted port with 30+ years of bottle age would come to the market. 92/100.

[Tom Archer]

Sold at Newbury I think - can't remember exactly what it sold for, but I do remember thinking it was far too much..

Tom

[Al B.]

Newbury would tie in with where we both live. As for the cost ... to me it was a bargain. It was free! (Well, free in exchange for a bottle given by me.)

I think I'd prefer not to know how much it went for, all I know is that it was jolly delicious.

Alex