Martinho Port, 1881

Vintage Port (level low shoulder), DOC Douro

Excluded from our guarantee

Description and Reviews:
The 1881 Martinho Vintage Port is an extraordinarily rare survivor from the late 19th century, representing more than 140 years of Douro winemaking history. Crafted in an era when every stage of production was entirely manual—grapes foot-trodden in stone lagares and aged in wooden casks before long bottle rest—this wine offers a direct connection to the heritage and craftsmanship of a bygone age. While the level is at low shoulder, indicating some natural evaporation over the decades, it still holds immense value for collectors and may deliver a deeply moving tasting experience if well preserved.

In the glass, a Port of this age would likely show a deep mahogany core shading to amber and olive-green at the rim—classic signs of maturity in very old Vintage Ports. The nose would be ethereal and multi-layered, opening with dried fig, date, and sultana, intertwined with molasses, roasted walnut, and dark chocolate. Secondary notes of orange peel, fine coffee, antique wood, and warm baking spice would add further complexity, while the rancio character—developed over more than a century—would lend an almost haunting depth.

On the palate, a well-kept bottle could be astonishingly harmonious, with the richness of dried fruit and toffee balanced by a surprisingly vivid acidity, keeping the wine fresh despite its extreme age. Flavours of caramelised citrus, hazelnut, and sweet spice would mingle with savoury undertones of leather, cedar, and tobacco leaf. The tannins, long since melted away, would give the wine a silken texture, leading to an exceptionally long, warm, and nutty finish that lingers for minutes after each sip.

This is a wine to approach with the utmost respect. Decant very gently to remove sediment and limit aeration, as the aromatics will be fragile. Serve slightly below room temperature in large Port glasses to allow its perfume to fully express. Whether enjoyed in quiet contemplation or as the centrepiece of an extraordinary occasion, the 1881 Martinho Vintage Port is not merely a drink—it is a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the living history of the Douro.