1976 Terrantez

The 1976 Terrantez, a special release to celebrate the 250th anniversary of US independence, was aged in the "canteiro" system in oak casks at room temperature for almost 50 years. It's clear and bright, with a coppery brown color and golden nuances showing greenish reflections. It comes in at 20% alcohol, with a pH of 3.25 and 91 grams of sugar. It was very shy and closed when poured, and I had to wait a couple of hours for it to open up in the glass. It's subtle and elegant rather than super aromatic, and it has terrific balance and nuance; it is detailed, precise and clean, with a long finish. This is stunning. Only 192 bottles produced. It was bottled in 2025.

Aged for 26 years in 1,000-liter American oak with 90 g/L residual sugar, the 1976 Terrantez, which comes from the 2002 bottling, bears a nose that is a little smudged and earthy, revealing hints of clove and wood resin. It is taciturn at first, but unfurls nicely in the glass, though it never becomes intense. The palate is very well balanced and caressing in the mouth. It has lovely poise and harmony, offering touches of dried honey, cardamom, orange peel and apricot. Gentle and long toward the finish. I prefer this to the 1997 bottling; it shows more depth and volume. Tasted at Blandy’s bicentennial celebration tasting.

Earthy brown colour. Odd cheesy nose, seems not quite clean. Finishes sweet. Not sure about this one though you can't escape the complexity. (JH)