TN: 1978 Barbeito Boal Vintage Madeira

Philip Harvey · Post by **Philip Harvey** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 4:28 am

Drunk over two nights 19.11.06 & 20.11.06

Darker than the Barbeito Sercial of the same year with a smokey slightly opaque tawny amber colour and a lovely green tinge at the edges. An overpowering bottle stink when first opened (stale cabbage water) which eventually started to blow off after a couple of hours in the glass and some vigorous swirling to reveal a spirity nose of fresh walnuts and wood varnish.

On tasting, the wine impresses immediately with a silky smooth entry and lovely balanced medium weight but then the flavours march in and very impressive they are too. Predominantly caramel, dried fruits and walnuts with an underlying hint of toffee or fudge, reminiscent of maple syrup. But it is the fabulous grip and fine balancing acidity that really impress here and that give this wine plenty of length on the finish that is filled with recurring waves of flavour. This is a really impressive wine; understated but with great reserves of power. This will certainly go the distance. Despite the 85g of residual sugar, this is not what I would call ‘sweet’ as that lovely grippy finish gives an overall ‘medium-dry’ impression. I think this is best enjoyed on its own.

The '78 Boal is certainly one of the most impressive wines in the current Barbeito range (alongside the stunning 1981 Verdelho and the lovely 20yr Old Malvasia) but once again a very limited production - only 1,250 75cl bottles produced in 2001. Get 'em while you still can.

Philip

Post by **Roy Hersh** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 12:38 pm

Philip,

I would be surprised if that is the entire production of that wine. I have a feeling that is all that was released during this particular bottling but would be surprised if there was not plenty more of it left in wood on the island, for future releases.

Philip Harvey · Post by **Philip Harvey** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 6:22 am

Roy

I'm sure you're right. Trouble is, we have no idea when that second release may be - 10yrs, 20yrs - who knows?

So in the meantime ... :lick:

Post by **Roy Hersh** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 5:27 pm

Agreed Philip. As my '27 Bastardo arrived today with other Madeiras, I did an inventory and found one of these '78s on my shelf. One of these days ...