1966
Château Lafite Rothschild 1966 Pauillac
At full maturity, this is a restrained, old-school claret with dried rose, cedar, tobacco and cigar-box aromas over cassis and red cherry. The palate is medium-bodied and refined, with gentle earth, forest floor, leather and spice emerging as it opens. Stand the bottle upright, decant briefly for sediment and enjoy promptly with roast lamb or mushrooms.
Caves Sao Joao 1966 Frei Joao Reserva Bairrada Magnum
Mature yet lively, opening with cassis, raspberry and dried fig over pine-needle, coffee and toasted-wood notes. The palate is full and structured, with fresh acidity keeping the evolved fruit clear while settled tannins give the texture a composed shape. Earthy and savoury detail builds through the middle. The finish is persistent, carrying dried fruit, coffee, gentle spice and polished woodland complexity.
Taylor Fladgate 1966 Vintage Port
Violet and ripe fig lead an elegant, fresh bouquet, joined by tobacco, cedar, pear and dried apricot. The palate is remarkably balanced, placing concentrated fruit within a firm mineral and tannic frame. Lively acidity keeps the texture poised, and the flavours continue with clarity through a long finish. Decant carefully and serve with blue cheese or walnuts.
Caves São João 1966 Aguardente Vínica Velhíssima
Vanilla and coconut lead a rich, concentrated aroma, followed by light smoke and the polished warmth of mature oak. The palate is intense and complex, with sweet, creamy nuances bringing softness to the spirit's firm structure. Subtle nuts add savoury depth and balance. The finish is long and composed, leaving vanilla, smoke, oak spice and gentle nuttiness.