PL Award 1: Gold - SWA 2017  PL Award 2: Silver - DWWA 2017 PL Award 3:Silver - SWA 2016  PL Award 4:Silver - DWWA 2014PL Award 5:Gold - IWC 2014 Country:Portugal  Region: Madeira  Varietal: Fortified Vintage: 1996  Category:Madeira  Colour: MadeiraProducer: Justino's Madeira "Justino's is one of the oldest producers of Madeira, having been in existence since 1870. Alongside this history, they are also one of the most dynamic producers in Madeira today. They source fruit from all around the island, selecting the best areas and vineyards for the different grape varieties. Although traditionally varieties like Sercial are grown in the cooler north while Malvasia and Boal (Bual) were planted in the warmer south, today site selection is more important and Sercial is also grown in the south and Malvasia in the north.A new winery, located in Cancela, Santa Cruz, was built in 1995. All the Madeiras are fermented in temperature controlled, stainless steel tanks in order to ensure pristine base wines. Fermentation is arrested by the addition of 96% ABV neutral grape spirit at a specific point in time, depending on the level of sweetness desired for each Madeira.We have a range of very fine quality Madeiras from Justino's. Of the wines using Tinta Negra, their 5 Year Old Fine Rich is fantastic value with the level of quality far surpassing its price. Also, their 1996 Colheita (single vintage) demonstrates the ageworthiness, complexity and balance this variety can achieve. Their single varietal wines made from noble grapes – Sercial, Boal, Malvasia and Terrantez – are a study in the excellence and diversity of Madeira, from the relatively drier, crisper styles to those which are more nutty, rich and fulsome.We are very lucky to have a small amount of the 1978 Terrantez, perhaps the finest noble Madeira grape of them all, which is nearly extinct on the island (only around 2 hectares of it is planted today). To have such a special wine from such an old vintage is truly extraordinary. It dances along a fine line of being both rich but refreshing, and powerful yet elegant, all concluding with a profound finish.As a testament to their commitment to quality and their high number of medal-winning wines, the Sommelier Wine Awards named Justino's their Fortified Producer of the Year in 2015. We can't agree more with what they had to say: ""It's hard to remember the last time one producer so dominated a single category as Justino's did with Madeira. Whatever the grape, and whatever the style, it was imperious. And the Critics' Choice-winning Terrantez 1978 was jaw-dropping.""" Vineyards: "Justino's source their grapes from vineyards located in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, Câmara de Lobos and São Vicente. Almost all of the vines are planted on miniscule terraces, known as 'poios' and are pergola trained, which is the traditional way in Madeiran viticulture. Of volcanic origin, the composition of the soils varies depending on the altitude of the vineyard. Most of the island's soil is made up of basaltic matter. At low altitudes the soils are darker and more compact, indicating high levels of iron, while at higher altitudes, trachytic rocks with their rough, gritty surface are more evident." Vinification: The grapes were totally destemmed and crushed. Fermentation was carried out with maceration on the skins at controlled temperatures in stainless steel containers. The juice was then pumped over the cap frequently for two to three days, in order to extract colour and aroma compounds from the skins. Fermentation was stopped by the addition of a neutral grape spirit (96%) in order to maintain the desired sweetness degree, in this case, 130.1g/l. The wine was then aged in old oak casks in the traditional 'Canteiro' system. After maturation the wine underwent racking, fining and filtering before the blend was assembled and bottled. Tasting Notes: With fruit sourced from a single harvest, this wine took the coveted 'Masters' title in the 2013 Fortified Masters tasting, topping all other Madeira entries. Deep amber in the glass. Elegant aromas create a rich, ripe nose with hints of grapefruit and roast walnut notes. The palate combines caramel, almond, orange peel and toffee apple notes before a very round and complex finish. Food Suggestion: Complement a crème brulee or custard tart with the caramel flavours of this award winning Madeira. Closure: Natural Cork  ABV:  19%  Classification: DOP Acidity [g/l]: 8.3