'Delicate old Madeira' - Date of its bottling?

W Burgie · Post by **W Burgie** » Wed Feb 10, 2021 9:45 pm

Hi,
I am a new arrival to this Forum possessing a very modest collection of VP. In these faraway isles the range of ports stocked by local merchants is mostly limited to the well known brands and Houses. But its not about port that I write but a bottle of Madeira which I have had for close to 20 years. In a few words I would like to know what an approximate date of bottling would be for this wine. There is obviously no indication on the label or capsule. And, I am loathe to (do what was it Michael Broadbent? did)- remove the capsule and with a strong torchlight see if the cork provides a clue.
Is there anyone who can shine a(nother) light on this for me. Many thanks...
Burgie
Christchurch
New Zealand

Andreas Platt · Post by **Andreas Platt** » Thu Feb 11, 2021 10:05 am

Pictures of capsule as well as from the bottom of the bottle (punt) would help.

I would guess the bottle (filling) originates from the 40ies or 50ies, see also here:

Cheers

W Burgie · Post by **W Burgie** » Thu Feb 11, 2021 4:53 pm

Thanks for the comment, I've attached photos of the capsule and punt,

Andreas Platt · Post by **Andreas Platt** » Fri Feb 12, 2021 6:40 am

Your pictures make me even more confident...50ies.

Regarding quality: My guess is a reserve, like 15 YO or the like.

Don't expect great stuff, but it could be decent.

Lately I opened this Harvey's Reserve, and it was GREAT and SINGING...

W Burgie · Post by **W Burgie** » Fri Feb 12, 2021 11:12 pm

The reference to 'delicate old...' would most likely refer to either Sercial or Verdelho would I be right in thinking?

Andreas Platt · Post by **Andreas Platt** » Sat Feb 13, 2021 12:08 pm

as per definition and regulation:

Extra Old: blended wine, minimum age of youngest component 15 years old, if variety is mentioned, then minimum 85% of the content is required

Special/Old Reserve: blended wine, minimum age of youngest component 10 years old, if variety is mentioned, then minimum 85% of the content is required

Reserve: blended wine, minimum age of youngest component 5 years old, if variety is mentioned, then minimum 85% of the content is required

Finest, Choice, Selected: only in connection with "Madeira" plus description (ie dry, sweet, and/or trade name), minimum age 3 year; mostly Tinta Negra Mole but may also be made of other authorised varieties

Andreas Platt · Post by **Andreas Platt** » Sat Feb 13, 2021 12:11 pm

W Burgie wrote: ↑Fri Feb 12, 2021 11:12 pm The reference to 'delicate old...' would most likely refer to either Sercial or Verdelho would I be right in thinking?

I wouldn't bet a dime on S or V...my thinking would be a blend...but no guesses or guarantees on the composition are possible (ok, guesses are possible, but unfortunately senseless)

W Burgie · Post by **W Burgie** » Sat Feb 13, 2021 5:12 pm

Thanks and I appreciate the caution about assuming or guesssing

Andreas Platt · Post by **Andreas Platt** » Sat Feb 13, 2021 5:19 pm

For The Love Of Port

'Delicate old Madeira' - Date of its bottling?

'Delicate old Madeira' - Date of its bottling?

Re: 'Delicate old Madeira' - Date of its bottling?

Re: 'Delicate old Madeira' - Date of its bottling?

Re: 'Delicate old Madeira' - Date of its bottling?

Re: 'Delicate old Madeira' - Date of its bottling?

Re: 'Delicate old Madeira' - Date of its bottling?

Re: 'Delicate old Madeira' - Date of its bottling?

Re: 'Delicate old Madeira' - Date of its bottling?

Re: 'Delicate old Madeira' - Date of its bottling?