We recently had some friends over after a restaurant trip and opened a great bottle of port for a nightcap. Here it is:
The 1977 Messias Vintage Port. 1977 was a great year. I’ve had several vintage ports and Colheitas (single year ports) from 1977, and they have all been excellent. This may be the best. There could be several reasons for that, namely it could really be the best or it could be that we opened this at exactly its peak. I tend to think the latter, but we’ll never know. What we do know is that it was spectacular.
First the cork looked almost new, not dried out in any way. I had no problem pulling it intact. The wine had left most of it’s sediment permanently glued to the side of the bottle so it poured clear, almost transparent. The color was a pinky amber, just beautiful. As soon as I saw it hit the glass I know it was going to be special. The palate was luxurious with some nutty overtones and dried fruit, and oh so smooth. It was better than 40 year old tawnies I’ve had in the past. This bottle is the definition of perfectly aged.
I believe our friends agreed, and one specifically said it was the best port he had ever tried. I definitely concur. Be careful though, it is 35 years old so it won’t last too long after you open it. You can’t leave it on the shelf for a week. If this was Madeira it would be good forever, but it’s not.
If you find this buy it. You won’t be disappointed. I can still get it locally for around $65, which for something 35 years old and this good is an absolute steal. I’ll be replenishing my cellar.
A votre sante!
[…] characteristics even when spending a little. Of course it won’t be quite the same, and the 1977 Messias we opened a few years back will forever live in testament to that. That wine was unbelievable, […]