Martinho Port, 1881 Vintage Port
Vintage Port (level base of neck), DOC Douro
Bottle size: 75cl
ABV: 20%
Price:
£1,800.00
Description
The 1881 Martinho Vintage Port is an extraordinary and almost mythical bottle, representing more than 140 years of Port history. Produced in the Douro in the late 19th century—a time when Port was still made entirely by hand, using traditional stone lagares and foot-treading—this wine is a living testament to the craftsmanship of the era. The survival of a bottle in such remarkable condition, with a level at the base of neck, is exceptionally rare for a wine of this age, making it both a collector’s treasure and a potentially profound drinking experience.
In the glass, a Port of this maturity would display a deep mahogany core shading to amber and olive-green at the rim, a classic visual signature of great age. The bouquet would be breathtakingly complex, opening with dried fig, date, and sultana, followed by layers of molasses, walnut, and dark chocolate. Notes of orange peel, coffee, polished antique wood, and warm spice mingle with the ethereal rancio character that only develops after more than a century in bottle.
On the palate, a well-preserved 1881 Martinho could be extraordinarily smooth and harmonious, with the sweetness of dried fruit and treacle perfectly balanced by a remarkable acidity that keeps the wine vibrant despite its immense age. Layers of caramelised citrus, hazelnut, and exotic spice would unfold gradually, supported by savoury undertones of leather, cedar, and tobacco leaf. The tannins—once robust—would have melted completely into a velvety texture, leading to a finish of extraordinary length, echoing with nutty, spiced, and fruit-laden tones for minutes after each sip.
This is a wine to be treated with the utmost reverence, a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. Decant only gently to remove sediment and avoid overexposure to air, allowing it to open slowly in the glass. Serve slightly below room temperature in large Port glasses to capture its full aromatic complexity. The 1881 Martinho Vintage Port is more than just a bottle—it is a tangible link to the Douro of the 19th century, offering a rare chance to taste the elegance, concentration, and timeless beauty of one of the oldest and rarest Ports still in existence.
Condition
Excellent level, base of neck
stencilled bottle and labelled neck collar
possibly a library release
You might also be interested in:
Unknown Port, 1881
Vinho Velho do Porto 1881, DOC Douro
Good level - unknown shipper - typed label.
£1,975.00