Description
The 1936 Massandra Cabernet Sauvignon White Port is a rare and fascinating wine from the renowned Massandra Winery in Crimea. Established in the late 19th century under the guidance of Prince Lev Golitsyn, Massandra is celebrated for producing unique fortified wines with exceptional aging potential. The 1936 vintage is a piece of history, offering insight into the craftsmanship and resilience of this historic winery.
Vintage Overview
1936 Historical Context: Produced during a turbulent time in Europe, the 1936 vintage from Massandra represents not only the quality of the winery but also its ability to maintain production through significant political and economic challenges. These wines are renowned for their longevity and ability to evolve over decades, preserving the legacy of traditional winemaking.
Tasting Profile of 1936 Massandra Cabernet Sauvignon White Port
Appearance: Deep amber or golden-brown, with greenish reflections at the rim, a characteristic of well-aged fortified wines.
Aromas: A highly complex and layered bouquet featuring notes of dried apricots, golden raisins, figs, and candied orange peel. Secondary and tertiary aromas include caramel, toffee, honey, roasted nuts (almonds, hazelnuts), and a subtle hint of spice (cinnamon, clove).
Palate: Rich, luscious, and unctuous, with a velvety texture. The wine likely showcases flavors of dried fruits (dates, sultanas), toffee, and butterscotch, complemented by vibrant acidity that balances its sweetness. Notes of roasted coffee, honeycomb, and a hint of salinity add depth. The finish is long, with lingering caramelized and nutty flavors.
Aging Potential: By 2025, this wine is an artifact of oenological history, likely at its peak maturity or slightly beyond. Properly stored bottles can retain their integrity for decades, but their fragility requires careful handling.
Food Pairing Suggestions
Desserts: Perfect with nut-based desserts like almond tart, baklava, or walnut cake. Also pairs well with dried fruits and candied citrus.
Cheese: Aged cheeses such as Manchego, Gouda, or a creamy blue cheese like Stilton.
Other Pairings: Enjoy on its own as a meditative experience or with roasted nuts and honey-drizzled figs for a simple yet elegant accompaniment.
Serving Tips
Decanting: Decant gently to remove any sediment, which is common in wines of this age. Allow the wine to breathe for 15–30 minutes to open up its aromas.
Temperature: Serve slightly chilled, at 12–14°C (54–57°F), to enhance its aromatic complexity while maintaining freshness.
The 1936 Massandra Cabernet Sauvignon White Port is more than just a wine—it is a historical treasure. Its remarkable longevity, depth of flavor, and connection to the past make it an extraordinary experience for collectors and connoisseurs alike. Whether enjoyed as a centerpiece to a special occasion or as a quiet indulgence, this wine offers a window into a bygone era of winemaking.
Sotherbys Massandra Collection
The wineries in Massandra were built during the reign of Czar Nicholas II. During the process, wine caves containing thousands of bottles were constructed beneath the city. This “personal wine cellar” of the Czar contained tens of thousands of bottles. These caves survived the Russian Revolution, both World Wars, the fall of Communism, and Yakov Smirnoff. In 1990, about 13,000 of these bottles – never before available in the West – were put to auction