1999 COLHEITA MADEIRA, Justino’s. Portugal (Half Bottle)

100% Tinta Negra, the fermentation stopped by the addition of alcohol, leaving 139 grammes per litre of natural grape sugar. Then matured in large barrels for 15 years, exposed to summer warmth and winter cold (the key to the Madeira process)

From the website of the UK agent:
“Justino’s is one of the oldest producers of Madeira, having been in existence since 1870, when it was known as Justino Henriques. Today, Justino’s is owned by the French company La Martiniquaise.
Justino sources 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.”

Fine example of a mature vintage

Gold medal in 2014 International Wine Challenge.