At 63 years old, with 13.2% alcohol, and scoring 18 points on the 20-point Dionysian scale, the 1957 Casal da Azenha Vinho De Mesa Velho was ruby with an amber-brown edge. But, it still had great color for being so old. It flooded the nose with black fruits, tobacco, tar, and earthy forest notes. After decanting, we tasted it immediately, but it was still opening after thirty minutes. I got it back in 1974 in a New York shop for $7.99. One was still available a few years ago for just $165.
We drank it with a robust meat loaf, salad, and sweet potatoes. It was remarkable.
Most of us are just learning how good Portugal’s red wines can be. Over the past 50 years, they’ve improved greatly; cleaner, fresher, more balanced and still are great buys. It comes from the Estremadura Region just north of Lisbon. I believe that their 1960 and 1975 wines are still on some markets.
It had far less sediment than expected and was very smooth with a long rich aftertaste. An ideal food red. In Vino Veritas.
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