Madeira Verdelho Rare Old Verdelho

Bottled in 1969 to commemorate some royal event or other, this is a blend of three late 19th century vintages. The wine is the colour if light liquorice water, if that makes sense. Almost black but hazily translucent, browning towards the edge. Not unattractive at all but something I can't remember having come across before. The nose is full of dried figs, liquorice, dates, and prunes, with hints of green tea and peppermint in the background; quite hot but not in a bad way - it is remarkably dry and there is a persistent sourness on the finish. I coravined this one so look forward to drinking it again soon:-) (I've had bad experiences with older wines oxidising with the coravin, probably due their older, and therefore less elastic corks, but with this guy that happily won't be a problem)!