Bastardo, Henriques & Henriques 1927

The very rare 1927 Bastardo was very different and powerful, with 10.97 grams of acidity, high volatility and close to 22% alcohol, dense and concentrated, with high dry extract and 114 grams of sugar. This is a real beast with almost painful intensity, very different from the rest of grapes. It comes from a red variety and smells of old waxed furniture, varnish, acetaldehyde and nail polish. It has everything and a lot of it. It has a real Madeira profile in an XXL style. 1,906 bottles were filled in November 2021. Drink: 2022-2052

Bastardo is synonymous designation of the Trousseau grape grown in parts of France. It ripens early and reaches significant sugar levels. This wine is real rarity and was only bottled in 2021: nut brown – mahogany in hue with spicy though slightly baked-toasted aromas and a pronounced torrefaction richness on the palate (114g/l residual sugar) redolent of dark chocolate and roasted coffee. The acidity really cuts though (11 g/l tartaric) leading to a long bitter-sweet finish. A rather wonderful curiosity and a great survivor.