Justino's Madeira, 1996 Madeira Wine
Justino's - Tinta Negra Madeira
Bottle size: 75cl
ABV: 20%
Price:
£59.95
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Description
Vintage & Background
The 1996 vintage on Madeira produced wines with excellent balance, freshness, and long ageing potential. Justino’s is one of Madeira’s historic producers, renowned for crafting traditional fortified wines that combine richness with vibrant acidity. Produced from the Tinta Negra grape, the island’s most widely planted variety, this 1996 expression has matured beautifully over time, developing remarkable complexity while retaining the hallmark energy and lift that define fine Madeira.
Appearance & Nose
The colour is a deep amber-mahogany with copper and tawny highlights at the rim, showing impressive maturity and concentration. The nose is intensely aromatic and layered, opening with notes of caramelised orange peel, dried fig, walnut, and toffee, followed by hints of roasted coffee, polished wood, baking spice, and candied citrus. With aeration, further nuances of molasses, tobacco leaf, and salty sea spray emerge, adding depth and intrigue.
Palate & Texture
On the palate, the wine is rich yet beautifully balanced by Madeira’s naturally vibrant acidity. Flavours of burnt sugar, dried fruits, toasted nuts, marmalade, and dark caramel unfold in layers, complemented by notes of espresso, spice, and smoky oak. The texture is smooth, concentrated, and mouth-coating without ever feeling heavy, leading to a remarkably long and complex finish with lingering notes of walnut, citrus peel, and warming spice.
Maturity & Drinking Window
Now fully mature, the 1996 Justino Tinta Negra is drinking superbly and offers a beautifully integrated combination of sweetness, acidity, and tertiary development. Thanks to Madeira’s extraordinary stability and longevity, well-stored bottles can continue to evolve for many years while remaining exceptionally enjoyable at present.
Food Pairing & Serving Suggestions
Serve slightly cool at around 14–16 °C. Excellent with sticky toffee pudding, dark chocolate desserts, roasted nuts, blue cheeses, or crème brûlée. It also works beautifully as a contemplative after-dinner wine and pairs particularly well with walnuts, figs, and caramel-based desserts.
Decanting
Stand the bottle upright before opening to allow any sediment to settle. Older Madeira corks can become delicate with age, so remove carefully and strain during decanting if necessary. Unlike many mature wines, Madeira benefits from extended aeration and can remain open for weeks after opening without significant deterioration. Serve at 14–16 °C.
Overall Impression & Verdict
1996 Justino Tinta Negra is a beautifully mature Madeira that combines richness, freshness, and remarkable complexity. Layered with caramelised fruit, toasted nuts, spice, and vibrant acidity, it delivers a deeply satisfying fortified wine experience and showcases the enduring character and longevity for which Madeira is celebrated.
Condition
Excellent
Reviews
Silver Medal – Decanter World Wine Awards 2017
Silver Outstanding – IWSC 2017
Gold Medal – Sommelier Wine Awards 2017