This is the 2nd release from Barros to celebrate their 100th anniversary. This blend was released 1 year after the first edition (a blend of wines from each decade since the creation of Barros with 50 years of age on average). The 2nd edition is a selection of 5 outstanding barrels. It is also a blend averaging 50 years of age. It is very much into the Barros style; More traditional with grapes coming, like Kopke from Qta S. Luiz but harvested at a lower altitude. A beautiful example of a very old TAwny Port, with great structure, very complexe notes of old exotic woods, raisins, citrus and dried fruits. 

Mark Squires (Robert Parker 2016) 95 points:"The NV Very Old Tawny Port "Special Blend" comes in at 138 grams per liter of residual sugar. It has "101" on the outside of the gorgeous gift box (the prior release was the 100th anniversary edition of the house). The "Special Blend" name, says the winery, references this: "The making of this blend began with five different Colheitas....The rare and old wines that compose this blend reflect the quality of a selection of Colheitas produced between the 1940s and the 1980s – a selection that makes this wine unique and with great aging potential in the bottle." Not overly thick, but showing fine weight nonetheless, this blend has ample complexity, impressive power and a dark, lingering finish. It's not as lush or as rich as some, but it is bright and perfectly balanced, finishing with dark flavors and a burnished feel to it. When I rant about bombastic, overly alcoholic table wines, I often say these days that there are many Ports that seem far more elegant and better balanced. Here's a good example. It delivers all the complexity you want from an oldie while remaining quite graceful and sunny. There were 1,913 bottles produced (the year 1913 marks the founding of the house)."

Vintage: NA
Alcohol content: 20%
Volume: 75 cl
Grapes: Blend of traditional Douro grapes
Cellaring: drink or keep for a few decades
Serving: 13 to 14 C
Last: 6 to 8 weeks after opening
Pairing: Like any Tawny Port this old Port will match all kinds of desserts such as a creme brûlée or an almond tart. It may also be served as a digestive with or without a cigar.