1971 Terrantez
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Tasting notes
Mid-deep amber-brown, with a notable olive tinge. This is more like it! A deep nose that draws you into the glass, to reveal subtle walnut, brown spices, mahogany and smoke, but with a core of fruit that’s very much still in evidence: dried cherries and mixed, preserved citrus peel. This is sweeter than the six Sercials tasted before, but not by a lot, and not only does a fine line of acidity cut through it, but also the sweetness is in beautiful harmony. A long, long caramel and citrus finish. A very fine Terrantez and a delightful gift for anyone celebrating a half-century in 2021. (TJ)
Critic scores
Average Score
Tim Jackson MW, jancisrobinson.com
Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 1971 Terrantez is from the Adegas do Torreao reserves. It is fragrant and composed on the nose with dried apricot, quince, Asian spice and honeycomb that is well-defined and easy-going. The palate is voluminous in the mouth with crisp, hazelnut and smoke-infused, almost Sauternes-like fruit. It is very well-balanced and extremely well-focused with a composed, razor sharp, lemongrass finish. This is a Terrantez from the very top drawer. It was in 1850 that Joao Pereira d’Oliveira founded his company. He initially sold wines to other shippers, and it was not until the 1970s that they began to sell Madeira wines under their own label (though they continued to sell and buy lots, to and from other shippers.) It is a small company, but there are plentiful stocks of reserve wines. Their policy is to bottle on demand, which means their vintage wines can invariably benefit from extended cask aging. Let us begin with their reserve wines, which are mainly Tinta Negra Mole and are matured under estufugem. Importer: The Rare Wine Company, Sonoma, CA; Tel: (203) 457-1431; Fax: (203) 457- 4471