Martinez was founded in 1790 by the Spaniard Sebastian Gonzalez Martinez, who sold Port, sherry and cigars from an office in Mincing Lane in the City of London. In 1822 he was joined by an Englishman, John Peter Gassiot, a Member of The Royal Society and a great friend of Faraday the famous scientist. By the time Sebastian Martinez retired in 1849, the company had become the largest shipper of Port to the UK, with its own lodges in Oporto acquired in 1834. Martinez Gassiot was well known for its swift sailing ships, the “Betsy” and the “Maria Manuela”, which carried its wines from Oporto to the West
Country of England. In fact it is recorded that the “Maria Manuela” was one of the last sailing boats of its kind to carry Port before this method of transport was supplanted by the age of steam.

WINE SPECTATOR RATING: 97

WINE SPECTATOR REVIEW: The sleeper of the vintage. A stunning, huge, amazingly young Port that makes your mouth pucker in delight. Full-bodied and medium-sweet, with masses of fruit and tannins.