1980 Sercial
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Tasting notes
Frasqueira. Matured in American oak for 36 years. Bottled 2019. VA 1.3 g/l, TA 10 g/l, pH 3.3, RS 55 g/l. 96 half-bottles, 768 bottles, 45 magnums, 22 jeroboams and three 18-litre bottles filled. Mid amber. Distinctive, unusual nose – woodsmoke notes but with a green-melon-like core and something that reminds me of rooty gin botanicals. Piercing acidity cuts through a comparatively rich sweetness, for a Sercial. Saline and powerfully smoky – lots of concentration and power on the palate, with a roasted nut finish. Lots of length. Definitely different, even if it isn’t the most elegant! (TJ)
Critic scores
Average Score
Tim Jackson MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The just-released 1980 Sercial from Blandy's is showing very well, opening in the glass with aromas of toasted walnuts, candied peel, white tea, orange oil and aromatic bitters. On the palate, it's full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, with racy acids, excellent tension at the core and a long, sophisticatedly saline finish. This Sercial spent 36 years in barrel, and 202 cases were produced.
The 1980 Sercial has a pale amber hue with a straw rim. It presents a striking and quite vivacious bouquet of orange pith and marmalade mixed with grilled noisettes ; there is fine delineation here. The palate is taut and fresh with a fine line of acidity. This is an elegant Sercial that displays finesse and poise before an arresting stem ginger finish departs with just the right amount of dryness. Superb. (21% alcohol)