A hidden sweetie

[Kcwhippet]

Found a bottle back in the hidden recesses of the cellar that had somehow missed being in the inventory. It was a 1973 (that's right - 1973 - not a typo) Trentadue Angelica. This was made from Mission grapes somewhat in a port style. They made a brandy from Mission grape wine, then added it to a more current fermenting Mission wine. From what I could find, it's a 50/50 blend of wine and brandy. Took it to the shop the other day and tasted it with our main wine buyer (38 years in the business), and he said it was one of the finest dessert wines he's ever had. The cork was tight with no leakage at all. There was, understandably, a big raisiny quality in the nose and the palate. Big hazelnut sweetness, mulling spices. Tasted a bit like a 76 Barros Colheita we had a few years ago. Gave a tad to each of the distributor reps who came in during the day, and all thought it was excellent. Sure would like to get some more, but I doubt if there are any left out there. Who said Mission grapes were useless?? BTW, I Googled it and found a number of other CA wineries making Angelica. A nice experience.