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With fruit sourced from a single harvest (1996), this wine took the coveted ‘Masters’ title in the 2013 Fortified Masters tasting, topping all other Madeira entries. Rich, complex yet remarkably fresh, it’s a prime example of a world famous wine.
Tasting notes
Sweet caramel, dark chocolate and bitter coffee complexity
Aroma
Prune, caramel, dried fruit and bitter coffee
More information
The island of Madeira, 600 miles southwest of Lisbon, is home to one of the world’s great fortified wines. Founded in 1870, Justino’s is one Madeira’s oldest producers. From their modern winery in Cancela, Santa Cruz, they combine traditional vinification practices with the most advanced technology. This mature 1996 Colheita is made from Tinta Negra Mole grapes sourced from all over the island. The wine is fortified with neutral distilled grape spirit and aged in wood where it’s gently heated in a process known as estufagem to create the signature style. The wine has prune, dried fruit and bitter coffee aromas. Sweet and caramel-like yet with distinct freshness, it is very moreish. A joy by itself and perfect with dark chocolate dessert.