"The maiden release of the 1976 Verdelho (2020 Bottling) from Blandy’s is only slightly deeper than the 2008 that I tasted alongside it. Yet as you would expect, the aromatics are very different: molasses, pain d'épices, orange blossom and iodine all vie for attention. As with the 2008, I appreciate the delineation. The palate displays considerable weight and presence, to the point where you might mistake it for a light Bual (the residual sugar here is 86g/L). Notes of Szechuan pepper and black pepper elevate a streamlined, focused finish that lingers long on the aftertaste. This is quite a cerebral Verdelho. Chill this slightly before serving. I can imagine it making a superb aperitif." -Vinous
Robert Parker
RP92
"Aged for 44 year in wood, Blandy's 1976 Verdelho delivers complex aromas of dried peel, clear honey, pine resin, vanilla pod and figs. Medium to full-bodied, elegantly textural and incisive, it's nicely concentrated, with racy acids, fine depth at the core and a long, bittersweet and saline finish. Fleshing out with extended aeration, this is a fine new release." -Robert Parker