Martinez Vintage Port, 1912 Vintage Port
Vintage Port, DOC Douro - very top shoulder
Bottle size: 75cl
ABV: 20%
Price:
£995.00
Description
The 1912 Martinez Vintage Port is a rare and majestic example of pre–First World War winemaking from the Douro, hailing from one of the most celebrated vintages in Port history. Over 110 years old, this remarkable wine was born in a near-perfect growing season, yielding grapes of superb ripeness and balance. Martinez, an esteemed house with a reputation for producing elegant yet powerful Vintage Ports, crafted a wine in 1912 that has stood the test of time, retaining both depth and complexity in bottle. Its excellent condition, with a fill at very top shoulder, makes it an even more precious find for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
In the glass, it shows a deep mahogany-brown core shading to amber and olive-green at the rim, a hallmark of great maturity. The bouquet is captivating and multi-layered, with aromas of dried fig, date, and sultana mingling with molasses, dark chocolate, and roasted walnut. Subtle notes of candied orange peel, coffee bean, and sweet spice weave through, while the gentle rancio character reflects over a century of careful cellaring.
On the palate, the 1912 Martinez is wonderfully harmonious, with a silken texture and impressive freshness for its age. Rich, concentrated flavours of prune, treacle, and caramelised citrus are lifted by a fine, well-preserved acidity that keeps the wine lively. Savoury undertones of leather, cedar, and tobacco leaf add depth, while the once-robust tannins have softened into a velvety frame. The finish is exceptionally long, lingering with notes of spice, nut, and sweet dried fruit that slowly fade but never quite disappear.
This is a wine to be savoured slowly and with reverence, ideally served slightly below room temperature in large Port glasses. Allow it to open gently in the glass rather than through extended decanting, preserving its delicate and intricate aromatics. Perfect alongside blue cheese, roasted almonds, or rich dark chocolate, though it is perhaps most compelling enjoyed on its own in quiet contemplation. The 1912 Martinez Vintage Port is more than just a drink—it is a rare opportunity to experience the grace and grandeur of one of the Douro’s most legendary vintages in its twilight splendour.
Condition
Very top shoulder.
I.D from identical labelled bottles in same bin