TN: 1927 d'Oliveira Bastardo Vintage Madeira

[Marco D.]

Decanted two days. Upon opening, a strong VA component with "nail polish remover" scents. This VA element was really off-putting at first, but it did blow off on the second day. Maple caramel color, with a greenish watery tint on the rim. Highly expressive nose of nut skin, dried orange/lime zest, and caramel with a lingering VA note (in a good way). The flavors follow through in the mouth but without the bulldozer-like impact of the gorgeous nose. Super-sharp acids that provide a dry Sercial-like profile. Nice bitter nut skin finish. Superb structure... seemed to have almost posessed both "tannins" as well as "acids" for structural components. The last time I had this, it paled in comparison to the other wines opened... but by itself today, it really shined.

[Roy Hersh]

Marco,

I'm glad you enjoyed this bottling and thanks for the TN. On my previous two experiences with this specific Madeira, (one I opened at a tasting you attended) it was also in a fairly large lineup. One of them included 3 bottles of Bastardo which was fascinating. Neither time did I get much pleasure out of the '27 by D'Oliveiras though. I have one or possibly two bottles left and will possibly save one to open up on its own and hope like your experience, judged solely on its own merits without steep competition ... I might wind up liking it better.

Thanks!

Roy