Insula Licoroso 10 Anos 0,375L

Insula Licoroso 10 Anos 0,375L is a fortified wine from the Azores, made from traditional grapes such as Verdelho, known for its balance of sweetness and acidity and its saline notes.

The Wine Advocate
RP 94
Reviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez

The 2023 bottling, shown on the back label, of the NV Chão de Lava Pahoehoe 10 Anos Dry was made from a blend of Arinto dos Açores (90%) and 10% Verdelho, Terrantez do Pico and other grapes from a field-blend vineyard in the south-west of the island. The grapes were picked to reach 14% alcohol. The must fermented and grape spirit was added to keep the wine at around 45 grams of sugar, though that's hard to calculate precisely; it ended with 29 grams (relatively dry), but most of the 20% alcohol came from fermentation.
It aged for 10 years in barrel, from 2012 (effectively a single vintage), oxidatively and without topping up. It's a bright orange colour, with an expressive nose of nuts and some fruit (peach), a spicy touch and a medium-bodied palate, velvety texture and well-integrated acidity and sweetness. Very balanced and elegant, halfway between Sherry and Madeira.
533 half-bottles were produced. It was bottled in May 2023.