There is a major Madeira tasting taking place at the Portuguese Embassy in London on October 25th. All the principal Madeira houses with have a table.
Each of the six major Madeira producers will present 8 different Madeiras at their respective tables and there will be an additional table where each will have 2 more Vintage wines.
It will be from 11am - 5pm at:
The Portuguese Ambassador's Residence,
12 Belgrave Square, London, SW1X 8PP
If you want to be invited, send an e-mail to Julio Fernandes at:
julio.fernandes@justinosmadeira.com
As this is at an Embassy, the protocol is that you must be invited by the Embassy. Julio will make sure that you receive an invitation if you send him your address.
We look forward to intorducing Broadbent Madeira for the first time in the UK and I will be there, so please introduce yourselves to me as members of Roy's FTLOP website.
Madeira Tasting in London on Oct 25
Moderators: Glenn E., Roy Hersh, Andy Velebil
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Bartholomew Broadbent
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Madeira Tasting in London on Oct 25
Bartholomew Broadbent http://www.broadbent.com
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Bartholomew Broadbent
- Posts: 48
- Joined: Mon Oct 10, 2005 11:01 am
- Location: San Francisco, CA
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Some rather delayed notes.
It was good to see all the major producers represented at this tasting. It was also great to meet Bartholomew and I hope we will see the Broadbent range represented here in the UK in the near future.
I didn't try to taste all the wines shown but the highlights for me of what I tried were:
(1) most of the Barbeito range: in particular,
the Single Harvest 1996 (better than the 1995 initial release),
the Boal Single Cask 80a 1995 (quite closed still, pure and balanced),
the Malvasia Single Cask 18a 1994 (very fine, showing much better with a little bottle age).
These wines are all gently canteiro aged, with no caramel colouring added - so the lightness of a Malmsey might shock you on first encounter. Unless one has access to the handcrafted delicious wines from Barros e Sousa or maybe the Borges wine below (inspired by these recent Barbeito successes), the single cask wines from Barbeito are the best modestly priced introduction I know to the pleasures of Madeira.
In fact, although they are in a different style and not so concentrated, in pleasure and quality terms they are better than quite a number of Barbeito vintage wines.
(2) the Borges Colheita 1995 Rich (their first and impressive venture in this style; quite sweet, but a very pure wine, perhaps even more successful than the Barbeito Single Harvest wines so far released);
(3) the Borges 1940 Verdelho (fresh and vibrant);
(4) the Cossart Gordon Terrantez 1977 (another terrific Terrantez from MWC, more elegant than the great 1975 Blandy's Terrantez).
The oldest wines shown perhaps suffered from not being opened earlier:
(i) a current release H&H 1934 Verdelho had a meaty nose and was massive and powerful; maybe the c1960 bottling of this is a better balanced and preferable wine;
(ii) a d'Oliveira Verdelho 1905 (btld 2002) seemed to lack a little freshness (I am told that there is a preferable 2005 bottling);
(iii) MWC Malvasia 1897 (btld in the 1930's, rebottled in the 1970's) was somewhat shaken up and cloudy; very sweet still. But not the class and refinement of the Lomelino Malvasia 1897 tasted in January, which must be another wine altogether.
Paul
It was good to see all the major producers represented at this tasting. It was also great to meet Bartholomew and I hope we will see the Broadbent range represented here in the UK in the near future.
I didn't try to taste all the wines shown but the highlights for me of what I tried were:
(1) most of the Barbeito range: in particular,
the Single Harvest 1996 (better than the 1995 initial release),
the Boal Single Cask 80a 1995 (quite closed still, pure and balanced),
the Malvasia Single Cask 18a 1994 (very fine, showing much better with a little bottle age).
These wines are all gently canteiro aged, with no caramel colouring added - so the lightness of a Malmsey might shock you on first encounter. Unless one has access to the handcrafted delicious wines from Barros e Sousa or maybe the Borges wine below (inspired by these recent Barbeito successes), the single cask wines from Barbeito are the best modestly priced introduction I know to the pleasures of Madeira.
In fact, although they are in a different style and not so concentrated, in pleasure and quality terms they are better than quite a number of Barbeito vintage wines.
(2) the Borges Colheita 1995 Rich (their first and impressive venture in this style; quite sweet, but a very pure wine, perhaps even more successful than the Barbeito Single Harvest wines so far released);
(3) the Borges 1940 Verdelho (fresh and vibrant);
(4) the Cossart Gordon Terrantez 1977 (another terrific Terrantez from MWC, more elegant than the great 1975 Blandy's Terrantez).
The oldest wines shown perhaps suffered from not being opened earlier:
(i) a current release H&H 1934 Verdelho had a meaty nose and was massive and powerful; maybe the c1960 bottling of this is a better balanced and preferable wine;
(ii) a d'Oliveira Verdelho 1905 (btld 2002) seemed to lack a little freshness (I am told that there is a preferable 2005 bottling);
(iii) MWC Malvasia 1897 (btld in the 1930's, rebottled in the 1970's) was somewhat shaken up and cloudy; very sweet still. But not the class and refinement of the Lomelino Malvasia 1897 tasted in January, which must be another wine altogether.
Paul
Paul,
Thanks for the excellent notes and it sounds like a great overall experience. I am curious if there are others that read this BB Forum who were in attendance?
Thanks for the excellent notes and it sounds like a great overall experience. I am curious if there are others that read this BB Forum who were in attendance?
Ambition driven by passion, rather than money, is as strong an elixir as is Port. http://www.fortheloveofport.com
Roy
I attended the tasting and managed to work my way through every one of the wines there - took me the whole 5 hours but it was one heck of an education in Madeira wines.
I did PM you and ask if you wanted me to write up my notes as an article for a newsletter (with photographs) or just to post a brief version of them on the forum.
I'm happy either way.
Alex
I attended the tasting and managed to work my way through every one of the wines there - took me the whole 5 hours but it was one heck of an education in Madeira wines.
I did PM you and ask if you wanted me to write up my notes as an article for a newsletter (with photographs) or just to post a brief version of them on the forum.
I'm happy either way.
Alex
Various Tasting Notes
I've just rediscovered my tasting notes from the Madeira tasting at the Portuguese embassy in London in October. These are all the notes I took on the wines being shown. There were some fabulous wines and very few that I would not enjoy drinking.
Blandy's Harvest Malmsey 1998
6 years in oak. Bottled June 2005.
Chestnut colour, pale rim. Old marmalade nose with burnt toffee. Sweet into the mouth with acid backbone. Honey and oranges. Good length but slightly sweet for my taste. 86/100
Blandy's Alvada
Average age of wines in blend of 5-6 years. 60% Malmsey, 40% Boal.
Dark amber, greenish hint at rim. Notes of burnt sugar and honeyed figs on the nose. Very smooth into the mouth. Lots of honey and strawberries. Hidden acidity supporting the flavours of the wine. Not much complexity or length. 87/100
Blandy's 10 Year Old Bual
Dark centre with a pale honey colour rim. Inviting nose of marmalade and honey. Sweet entry, slightly flat. After lots of air in the mouth developed notes of marmalade and figs. Excellent length. 87/100
Blandy's 10 Year Old Verdelho
Pale rim, very light brown centre. Nose very bright and fresh with pleasant complexity. Brown sugar cubes and rose petals. Lovely into the mouth. Firmly acidic reminding me of an aged Tokaji - grapefruits, seville oranges and orange zest. Length reasonable. Delicious wine. 94/100
Blandy's 15 Year Old Malmsey
Deep rich chestnut colour. SLight hint of golden green on rim. Nose of burnt caramel. Alcohol comes through on the nose. Very sweet entry but balanced by acidity. Smooth, warm and complex with lots of flavours of sugar and dried raisins and cherries. Good length. 92/100
Blandy's Bual 1958
Bottled 2002. Chestnut colour with deep centre and greening rim. Nose of bitter almonds and damp wood shavings. Sweet, smooth entry with bitter orange and honeyed fruit. Complexity develops in the mouth and acidity really bites to make the mouth water. Reasonable but simple length. 94/100
Blandy's Malmsey 1897
Cloudy from shipping to UK, not able to be decanted clear. Deep chestnut brown colour with a green rim. Nose of alcohol, and fruit stewed in honey, golden syrup and toffee. Very thick and sweet into the mouth. Toffee, acidity and prunes mix together in a mass of complexity. Huge aftertaste of sweet, golden toffees lasting over a minute. Long life ahead of it yet. This was my wine of the tasting and I can understand why Blandy's brought this to show. 98/100
Cossart Gordon Sercial Colheita 1988
Very pale with a beautiful sheen. Long legs. Nose of burnt toffee. Hint of oranges and maraschino cherries. Dry attack in the mouth with a woody kick. Very thick with lots of wood flavours mixed in with the fruit. Excellent lemony length that really makes the mouth water. 92/100
Cossart Gordon Verdelho 1995
Pale brown, golden sheen - the colour of antique pine - with a pale and colourless rim. Restrained nose of honey and figs. Sweet into the mouth with an unusual mintiness. Develops orange and marmalade flavours. Good length. 88/100
Cossart Gordon Malmsey Colheita 1994
Pale gold with a greening edge. Nose of condensed milk. Smooth but simple entry. Mid palate develops spicy Christmas cake flavours. Good length. 90/100
Cossart Gordon Terrantez 1977
Bottled 2004. Pale golden colour from centre to edge. Nice nose of condensed milk and creme brulee. Powerful attack on entry to challenge the taste buds. Complex and acidic. Woody and herbaceous with orange peel. Good length. (No score included in my notes.)
Broadbent Rainwater 3 Years Old
100% negra mole. Light colour with golden centre and greeening rim. Nose of warm sugar cubes. Light in the mouth, warm and sugary with good entry and nice mid-palate. Decent length. Very drinkable and more-ish. 88/100.
Broadbent Fine Rich 3 Years Old
Chestnut centre, green golden rim. Nose of golden syrup, hints of caramel. Sweet, balanced entry into the mouth. Flavours of burnt toffee, caramel and condensed milk. The acidity of the wine comes through on the mid-palate. Length slightly short. 87/100.
Broadbent Fine Rich Reserve 5 Years Old
Deep toffee colour in centre, light golden rim. Nose closed and difficult to develop. Sweet and lovely entry into the mouth with lots of toffee and a mid palate of liquorice and cough sweets. Amazing complexity that just kept building up with layer after layer of flavours. Good length with a nice chocolate aftertaste. Enjoyable. 92/100.
Broadbent Colheita 1996
Light colour wine with a very green rim. Nose of flowers and wet grass, touch of alcohol coming through. Sweet entry with dairy flavours. Complexity develops in the mid-palate with marmalade overtones. Nice balance between acidity and sweetness, both keep on growing in the mouth. Good length, dominated by sweet toffee flavours. 91/100.
Broadbent Malmsey 10 Years Old
Chestnut colour with a hint of green at the rim. Ver dark, mahogany centre. Light and lovely nose of honey and clover. Sweet and thick entry dominated by honey flavours, overtaken by lemon juice freshness, honeyed figs and candied orange peel. Long, fiery length with more honey and lemon. Yum. 91/100.
Broadbent Boal 1978
Chestnut centre with light honey coloured rim. Complex nose of marmalade and honey dissolved in hot water. In the mouth a hint of bitterness along with the honey and marmalade. Develops in the mouth with the acidity coming through and bringing orange flavours. Some heat, but very pleasant. Length slightly short for all the wine promises in the mouth. 90/100.
Broadbent Boal 1964
Chestnut centre and very green rim. Strong nose of honey and roses. Hints of turkish delight. Smooth into the mouth, develops a bitter overtone and then biting acidity with honey and brown sugar. Slight bitter edge never goes away. Aftertaste of golden syrup slowly fades through sugary overtones. 92/100
Broadbent Terrantez 1978
Light chestnut centre with a greening rim. Light and fragrant nose of VA, honey and orange blossom. Sweet entry but with good balance of acidity - lemons, oranges and limes all mixed together with a honey sweetner. Excellent complexity and balance - stunning length. 95/100
Barbeito Sercial 10 Years Old
Pale golden colour with a paler rim. Nose of honey. Slightly harsh into the mouth with some tannins puckering the lips. Acidic and slightly unbalanced for my taste. Acidity grew into a massive wave of lemon juice. Pleasant aftertaste of lemon grass and pine sawdust. Good length. 88/100.
Barbeito Single Harvest 1996
Pale colour of golden straw. Very pale rim. Burnt toast on the nose. Surprisingly no VA. Sweet and smooth into the mouth but a little bland on entry. Develops into delicate honeyed water with other flavours behind. Aftertaste of dried figs and mango is interesting and surprising. Very good length. 89/100.
Barbeito "VB" Reserva Lote 1
Golden straw in colour, slightly pink/orange shade. Nose slightly soapy, bit closed and subdued. Light entry, first impression of honey but some odd cheesey hints come next. Develops into candied Seville orange peel with more complexity. Woody aftertaste but with huge orange flavours. Good length. An unusual wine that started disappointingly but finished very well - not sure what to make of this one! 87/100.
Barbeito Veramar Boal (5 Years Old)
Golden straw colour, watery looking rim. Nose of warm parma ham, touch of soap. Very sweet in the mouth with a surprising tannic structure and good acidity. Hint of bitterness. Dull orange overwhelmed by brown sugar. Aftertaste of strong oranges and burnt sugar. Excellent length. 92/100
Barbeito Boal Single cask 80a 1995
Light golden brown - Barbeito's wines on show all seem to be almost the same colour - with a pale rim. Nose of creme brulee, caramel and condensed milk. Sweet mouth which fades to some bitterness and tannins. Not well integrated yet. SOme development in the mouth with sugar and lemon juice coming through. Aftertatse a little short, honeyed figs. Overall slightly disappointing. 88/100
Barbeito Malvasia Single Cask 18a 1994 Colheita
Warm golden colour with an unusual orange / pink overtone. Honey on the nose, not much else. Sweet entry into the mouth with honey and rosewater. Lots of acidity and dried citrus zest. Nice mid-palate complexity. Aftertaste dominated by raw Seville orange zest and bitter marmalade. Very good length fading slowly to a peppery shadow. Very good. 93/100
Barbeito Verdelho Frasqueira 1981
The youngest of the two vintage wines on show from Barbeito. Apparently will only be shipped to the UK in 50cl bottles but will be in 75cl bottles elsewhere in the world.
Dark golden colour with a pale rim with a hint of green. Nose inviting and warm, offering some complexity. Honey, figs and toffee. Smooth into the mouth but then a bitter backbone and lots of biting acidity that gets stronger in the mouth. Lemons and honey - would be great for a cold! Excellent complexity and good balance. Good aftertaste of lemons and tonic water with sweetness to support. Very good length. 93/100
Barbeito Boal Frasqueira 1957
Chestnut centre with a paler rim with a hint of green. Cloying honeyed nose with a sharp fresh stab of lemon that promises some balance. In the mouth a sweet entry with an attack of bitterness, followed up by honey, lemon, jasmine and lots of complexity. Aftertaste slightly bitter and fades more quickly than I would have expected, leaving me slightly disappointed. 90/100
Henriques & Henriques Monte Seco Dry Aperitif
Served chilled. 100% Tinta Negra Mole. Pale golden colour, straw right through to the edge. Nose of fresh cut grass - reminded me of a sauvignon blanc. Very smooth and silky entry but then a wave of bitterness, not overly acidic. Taste similar to tonic water. Short length fading quickly to leave a burnt toffee flavour. 86/100
Henriques & Henriques 1995 Single Harvest (Full Rich)
Deep chestnut with a frim brown rim. Vegetal nose, slightly mouldy overtone, compost heap. Sweet entry reminding me of burnt orange, slightly bitter with developing complexity. Sweet marmalade and honey aftertaste. Good length. 89/100
Henriques & Henriques 10 Years Old Sercial
Orange-brown in colour with a hint of green. Odd smell of old sweaty leather> Smooth into the mouth with orange and clover honey. Develops into an acidic backbone with lots of orange tones - satsumas and tangerines but not the normal marmalade. Short length lets the wine down. 89/100
Henriques & Henriques 10 Years Old Verdelho
Orange-chestnut colour, colour into the rim. Nose of button mushrooms freshly cooked in butter. Soft and silky into the mouth. Oranges and lime acidity in the background. Length is good but finish slightly hot. Overall, a good wine slightly spoiled by a bitter aftertaste. 90/100
Henriques & Henriques 10 Years Old Malmsey
Very dark colour, deep centre, paler rim. Nose of old marmalade - when the sugar crystallises on the top of the jar. Already sets the saliva glands pouring in anticipation. Very sweet in the mouth, smooth and full of toffee and caramel but balanced by a fresh citrus acidity. Nice length but not overly long. Very pleasant. 89/100
Henriques & Henriques 15 Years Old Verdelho
Warm golden chestnut colour with a paling rim. Scents of honey and brown sugar. Neutral entry into the mouth, like light sugar water. Then brown sugar, burnt toffee and onion. Good layering and complexity. Nice development in the mouth. Aftertaste of buttery toffee and scottish butter tablet. Good length. 91/100
Henriques & Henriques 15 Years Old Malmsey
Deep chestnut centre with a greening edge. Burnt brown sugar on the nose with a bit of VA, but not excessive. Smooth, sweet entry with some tannins that coat the teeth. Marmalade and creme caramel. Beatifully balanced with the acidity present. Fresh aftertaste of brown sugar and caramel. Good length. Good balance on the finish - like drinking / eating brown sugar crystals. 92/100
Henriques & Henriques Garrafiera 1934 Verdelho
Very dark wine, paling and slightly green rim. Burnt toffee nose with slight musgroom overtone. Blanaced entry with leather and coffee fudge. Hot middle with the mushrooms hidden in the background and then a wave of toffee. Slightly bitter aftertaste before creamy toffee yoghurt flavours arrive and slowly fade away over a long length. 92/100
Henriques & Henriques 1900 Century Malmsey
I have a note that this is a solera wine, but cannot find confirmation in the producer's tasting notes.
Deep chestnut colour with a green rim. Very full and warm nose showing sugar, honey and caramel with a spring water backing. Hot and spicy into the mouth in a pleasant way. Thick and sweet with great acidity and lemons playing between layers of burnt sugar, caramel and Christmas cake. Great balance. Peppery tones show through. Sweet finish with lots of brown sugar and apples coming through. Excellent length. Second favourite wine of the tasting. 97/100
HM Borges Reserva Seco 5 Years Old
The colour of antique pine, a definite orange tint. Warm nose of freshly sanded pine wood and orange essence. Smooth entry into the mouth, very sweet for a seco. Lots of acidity and sugar flavours. Delicate and flowery. Short length, slightly bitter. Disappointing. 84/100
HM Borges Reserva Meio Doce 5 Years Old
Warm orange colour with a pale rim. Mushrooms on the nose, strong VA. Sweet entry, little development in the mid-palate. Some burnt sugar. Acidity nicely balanced. Sweet aftertaste but short. Again, disappointing. 80/100
HM Borges Colheita 1995 Rich
Pale golden amber colour with a watery rim. Sugary nose, mushrooms. Sweet entry with marmalade and tangerines. Nice development in the mid palate but overly sweet so that the balance was lost. Medium length dominated by brown sugar flavours. 86/100
HM Borges Sercial 10 Years Old
Light golden hue, paling rim. Little nose, some brown sugar. Oranges in the mouth, slightly bitter and a little unbalanced. Good mid-palate, but still slightly unbalanced. Aftertaste of oranges and acidity. Medium-short length. 84/100
HM Borges Boal 10 Years Old
Deep chestnut colour with a gree/brown rim. Warm and inviting nose of brown sugars. Well balanced entry with sweet candied citrus fruits and pleassant supporting bitterness. Good length dominated by oranges and orange essence. Acidity keeps the mouth watering for a long time. Good wine. 91/100
HM Borges Malmsey 15 Years Old
Light brown colour with a greening rim. Subdued nose of light clover honey. Smooth into the mouth. First impression is of sweet water and then the mid-palate crashes over you. Very impressive levels of concentration and complexity of oranges, almonds and glace cherries. Beautiful balance. Length stays with you. Slightly short given the complexity in the mouth. 95/100
HM Borges Malmsey Solera 1940
Chestnut brown, light centre, greening rim. Only fresh air on the nose - a little fresh cut grass. Thick and sweet entry. Honey followed by a wave of mouth puckering bitter orange acidity. Beautiful balance, lots of complexity and layers of flavour and sweetness. Reasonable length of burnt caramel and orange flavours on an acidic undercurrent. Good wine. 95/100
HM Borges Boal Vintage 1977
Light chestnut colour with a watery rim. Bitter nose of burnt onions. Sweet entry into the mouth with bitters coming through with a wave of overwhelming acidity. Lacks balance. Some mid-palate complexity. Good length of lemon juice and Christmas cake. 91/100
Pereira D'Oliviera 15 Years Old Medium-Dry
80% Verdelho, balance Negra Mole and Bastardo.
Warm and pleasant chestnut colour with a green/yellow rim. Typical nose of mushroom and leather. Sweet, smooth entry into the mouth. Midpalate bitter with unripe banana skins grating on the teeth. Short aftertaste of brown sugar. 84/100
Pereira D'Oliviera Colheita Sercial 1989
Warm orange colour. Interesting nose of mouldy orange peel and burnt honey. Smooth into the mouth reminding me of honeyed oranges. Slightly bitter acidity grips the mouth. A little unbalanced. Orange acidity in the reasonable length aftertaste. 90/100
Pereira D'Oliviera Colheita Boal 1983
Light golden amber colour with a greening rim. Warm nose of molasses and mushrooms. Bitter and acidic in the mouth, lacking balance. Tannic and a little harsh, hiding the sweetness of the wine. Aftertaste of sweet and sugary rosewater. 83/100
Pereira D'Oliviera Colheita Malvasia 1987
Deep chestnut centre with a pale brown rim. Nose of warm brown sugar. Warm and smooth entry. Candied orange peel and marmalade. A nicely mid-palate with lots of complexity and acidity. Aftertaste of brown sugar soaked rhubarb of reasonable length. 88/100
Pereira D'Oliviera Reserva Terrantez 1977
Deep chestnut, paling rim, red hint to centre. Warm but subdued and sugary nose. Smooth entry, slightly unbalanced as sweet tip hits the tongue but then acidity overwhelms. Aftertaste of musty oranges. Length reasonable. 90/100
Pereira D'Oliviera Reserva Boal 1977
Deep chestnut brown centre, fades to edge with a hint of green at the rim. Warm honeyed and sugary nose. Smooth into the mouth with first impression of sugar and brown sugar and then acidity kicks in with a caramelised fruit complex in the mid-palate. Burnt sugar aftertaste of very good length. Nice caramelised overtones. Impressive. 94/100
Pereira D'Oliviera Reserva Sercial 1971
Colour of honey holding right into the rim. Vegetal nose, brussel sprouts and a hint of honey. Very smooth. Balance mid-palate develops slowly to let the acidity through in a controlled way. Honey complexity with delicate floral notes. A little heat, but not excessive. Very good length with complexity continuing. Acidity roughens the inside of the teeth but the length just goes on bringing honey with it. 93/100
Pereira D'Oliviera Reserva Verdelho 1966
Chestnut centre with a green rim. Warm and inviting nose of honey. Sweet into the mouth, acidic mid-palate. Lots of honey with citric overtones. Complexity develops with fruit and floral tones. Nice length of fruit and burnt sugar, like crepe suzette. 92/100
Pereira D'Oliviera Reserva Sercial 1937
Chestnut brown with a dark centre and greening rim. Very rich and full nose showing marmalade and baklava. Smooth entry, sweet and then developing a bitter woody taste before delicate flowery tones work through. Then teh acidity arrives. Slightly unbalanced. Sweet lemont pancake aftertaste with strong burnt falvours. Interesting. 92/100
Pereira D'Oliviera Reserva Verdelho 1905
Dark chestnut colour with a paling rim showing a hint of green. A little subdued on the nose but with clear honey, flowers and damp earth. Very sweet in the mouth with astringent acidity that hurts the tongue and makes the saliva glands go wild. Layer after layer of complexity dancing between waves of brown sugar cubes. Slight heat when you swallow. Aftertaste slightly short and dominated by sugar overtones. Fantastic in the mouth but lacking on the nose and length. 92/100
Please remember that these tasting notes are my personal (and honest) opinion of what I thought of the wines as tasted my way through them. Nothing more than that.
Alex
Blandy's Harvest Malmsey 1998
6 years in oak. Bottled June 2005.
Chestnut colour, pale rim. Old marmalade nose with burnt toffee. Sweet into the mouth with acid backbone. Honey and oranges. Good length but slightly sweet for my taste. 86/100
Blandy's Alvada
Average age of wines in blend of 5-6 years. 60% Malmsey, 40% Boal.
Dark amber, greenish hint at rim. Notes of burnt sugar and honeyed figs on the nose. Very smooth into the mouth. Lots of honey and strawberries. Hidden acidity supporting the flavours of the wine. Not much complexity or length. 87/100
Blandy's 10 Year Old Bual
Dark centre with a pale honey colour rim. Inviting nose of marmalade and honey. Sweet entry, slightly flat. After lots of air in the mouth developed notes of marmalade and figs. Excellent length. 87/100
Blandy's 10 Year Old Verdelho
Pale rim, very light brown centre. Nose very bright and fresh with pleasant complexity. Brown sugar cubes and rose petals. Lovely into the mouth. Firmly acidic reminding me of an aged Tokaji - grapefruits, seville oranges and orange zest. Length reasonable. Delicious wine. 94/100
Blandy's 15 Year Old Malmsey
Deep rich chestnut colour. SLight hint of golden green on rim. Nose of burnt caramel. Alcohol comes through on the nose. Very sweet entry but balanced by acidity. Smooth, warm and complex with lots of flavours of sugar and dried raisins and cherries. Good length. 92/100
Blandy's Bual 1958
Bottled 2002. Chestnut colour with deep centre and greening rim. Nose of bitter almonds and damp wood shavings. Sweet, smooth entry with bitter orange and honeyed fruit. Complexity develops in the mouth and acidity really bites to make the mouth water. Reasonable but simple length. 94/100
Blandy's Malmsey 1897
Cloudy from shipping to UK, not able to be decanted clear. Deep chestnut brown colour with a green rim. Nose of alcohol, and fruit stewed in honey, golden syrup and toffee. Very thick and sweet into the mouth. Toffee, acidity and prunes mix together in a mass of complexity. Huge aftertaste of sweet, golden toffees lasting over a minute. Long life ahead of it yet. This was my wine of the tasting and I can understand why Blandy's brought this to show. 98/100
Cossart Gordon Sercial Colheita 1988
Very pale with a beautiful sheen. Long legs. Nose of burnt toffee. Hint of oranges and maraschino cherries. Dry attack in the mouth with a woody kick. Very thick with lots of wood flavours mixed in with the fruit. Excellent lemony length that really makes the mouth water. 92/100
Cossart Gordon Verdelho 1995
Pale brown, golden sheen - the colour of antique pine - with a pale and colourless rim. Restrained nose of honey and figs. Sweet into the mouth with an unusual mintiness. Develops orange and marmalade flavours. Good length. 88/100
Cossart Gordon Malmsey Colheita 1994
Pale gold with a greening edge. Nose of condensed milk. Smooth but simple entry. Mid palate develops spicy Christmas cake flavours. Good length. 90/100
Cossart Gordon Terrantez 1977
Bottled 2004. Pale golden colour from centre to edge. Nice nose of condensed milk and creme brulee. Powerful attack on entry to challenge the taste buds. Complex and acidic. Woody and herbaceous with orange peel. Good length. (No score included in my notes.)
Broadbent Rainwater 3 Years Old
100% negra mole. Light colour with golden centre and greeening rim. Nose of warm sugar cubes. Light in the mouth, warm and sugary with good entry and nice mid-palate. Decent length. Very drinkable and more-ish. 88/100.
Broadbent Fine Rich 3 Years Old
Chestnut centre, green golden rim. Nose of golden syrup, hints of caramel. Sweet, balanced entry into the mouth. Flavours of burnt toffee, caramel and condensed milk. The acidity of the wine comes through on the mid-palate. Length slightly short. 87/100.
Broadbent Fine Rich Reserve 5 Years Old
Deep toffee colour in centre, light golden rim. Nose closed and difficult to develop. Sweet and lovely entry into the mouth with lots of toffee and a mid palate of liquorice and cough sweets. Amazing complexity that just kept building up with layer after layer of flavours. Good length with a nice chocolate aftertaste. Enjoyable. 92/100.
Broadbent Colheita 1996
Light colour wine with a very green rim. Nose of flowers and wet grass, touch of alcohol coming through. Sweet entry with dairy flavours. Complexity develops in the mid-palate with marmalade overtones. Nice balance between acidity and sweetness, both keep on growing in the mouth. Good length, dominated by sweet toffee flavours. 91/100.
Broadbent Malmsey 10 Years Old
Chestnut colour with a hint of green at the rim. Ver dark, mahogany centre. Light and lovely nose of honey and clover. Sweet and thick entry dominated by honey flavours, overtaken by lemon juice freshness, honeyed figs and candied orange peel. Long, fiery length with more honey and lemon. Yum. 91/100.
Broadbent Boal 1978
Chestnut centre with light honey coloured rim. Complex nose of marmalade and honey dissolved in hot water. In the mouth a hint of bitterness along with the honey and marmalade. Develops in the mouth with the acidity coming through and bringing orange flavours. Some heat, but very pleasant. Length slightly short for all the wine promises in the mouth. 90/100.
Broadbent Boal 1964
Chestnut centre and very green rim. Strong nose of honey and roses. Hints of turkish delight. Smooth into the mouth, develops a bitter overtone and then biting acidity with honey and brown sugar. Slight bitter edge never goes away. Aftertaste of golden syrup slowly fades through sugary overtones. 92/100
Broadbent Terrantez 1978
Light chestnut centre with a greening rim. Light and fragrant nose of VA, honey and orange blossom. Sweet entry but with good balance of acidity - lemons, oranges and limes all mixed together with a honey sweetner. Excellent complexity and balance - stunning length. 95/100
Barbeito Sercial 10 Years Old
Pale golden colour with a paler rim. Nose of honey. Slightly harsh into the mouth with some tannins puckering the lips. Acidic and slightly unbalanced for my taste. Acidity grew into a massive wave of lemon juice. Pleasant aftertaste of lemon grass and pine sawdust. Good length. 88/100.
Barbeito Single Harvest 1996
Pale colour of golden straw. Very pale rim. Burnt toast on the nose. Surprisingly no VA. Sweet and smooth into the mouth but a little bland on entry. Develops into delicate honeyed water with other flavours behind. Aftertaste of dried figs and mango is interesting and surprising. Very good length. 89/100.
Barbeito "VB" Reserva Lote 1
Golden straw in colour, slightly pink/orange shade. Nose slightly soapy, bit closed and subdued. Light entry, first impression of honey but some odd cheesey hints come next. Develops into candied Seville orange peel with more complexity. Woody aftertaste but with huge orange flavours. Good length. An unusual wine that started disappointingly but finished very well - not sure what to make of this one! 87/100.
Barbeito Veramar Boal (5 Years Old)
Golden straw colour, watery looking rim. Nose of warm parma ham, touch of soap. Very sweet in the mouth with a surprising tannic structure and good acidity. Hint of bitterness. Dull orange overwhelmed by brown sugar. Aftertaste of strong oranges and burnt sugar. Excellent length. 92/100
Barbeito Boal Single cask 80a 1995
Light golden brown - Barbeito's wines on show all seem to be almost the same colour - with a pale rim. Nose of creme brulee, caramel and condensed milk. Sweet mouth which fades to some bitterness and tannins. Not well integrated yet. SOme development in the mouth with sugar and lemon juice coming through. Aftertatse a little short, honeyed figs. Overall slightly disappointing. 88/100
Barbeito Malvasia Single Cask 18a 1994 Colheita
Warm golden colour with an unusual orange / pink overtone. Honey on the nose, not much else. Sweet entry into the mouth with honey and rosewater. Lots of acidity and dried citrus zest. Nice mid-palate complexity. Aftertaste dominated by raw Seville orange zest and bitter marmalade. Very good length fading slowly to a peppery shadow. Very good. 93/100
Barbeito Verdelho Frasqueira 1981
The youngest of the two vintage wines on show from Barbeito. Apparently will only be shipped to the UK in 50cl bottles but will be in 75cl bottles elsewhere in the world.
Dark golden colour with a pale rim with a hint of green. Nose inviting and warm, offering some complexity. Honey, figs and toffee. Smooth into the mouth but then a bitter backbone and lots of biting acidity that gets stronger in the mouth. Lemons and honey - would be great for a cold! Excellent complexity and good balance. Good aftertaste of lemons and tonic water with sweetness to support. Very good length. 93/100
Barbeito Boal Frasqueira 1957
Chestnut centre with a paler rim with a hint of green. Cloying honeyed nose with a sharp fresh stab of lemon that promises some balance. In the mouth a sweet entry with an attack of bitterness, followed up by honey, lemon, jasmine and lots of complexity. Aftertaste slightly bitter and fades more quickly than I would have expected, leaving me slightly disappointed. 90/100
Henriques & Henriques Monte Seco Dry Aperitif
Served chilled. 100% Tinta Negra Mole. Pale golden colour, straw right through to the edge. Nose of fresh cut grass - reminded me of a sauvignon blanc. Very smooth and silky entry but then a wave of bitterness, not overly acidic. Taste similar to tonic water. Short length fading quickly to leave a burnt toffee flavour. 86/100
Henriques & Henriques 1995 Single Harvest (Full Rich)
Deep chestnut with a frim brown rim. Vegetal nose, slightly mouldy overtone, compost heap. Sweet entry reminding me of burnt orange, slightly bitter with developing complexity. Sweet marmalade and honey aftertaste. Good length. 89/100
Henriques & Henriques 10 Years Old Sercial
Orange-brown in colour with a hint of green. Odd smell of old sweaty leather> Smooth into the mouth with orange and clover honey. Develops into an acidic backbone with lots of orange tones - satsumas and tangerines but not the normal marmalade. Short length lets the wine down. 89/100
Henriques & Henriques 10 Years Old Verdelho
Orange-chestnut colour, colour into the rim. Nose of button mushrooms freshly cooked in butter. Soft and silky into the mouth. Oranges and lime acidity in the background. Length is good but finish slightly hot. Overall, a good wine slightly spoiled by a bitter aftertaste. 90/100
Henriques & Henriques 10 Years Old Malmsey
Very dark colour, deep centre, paler rim. Nose of old marmalade - when the sugar crystallises on the top of the jar. Already sets the saliva glands pouring in anticipation. Very sweet in the mouth, smooth and full of toffee and caramel but balanced by a fresh citrus acidity. Nice length but not overly long. Very pleasant. 89/100
Henriques & Henriques 15 Years Old Verdelho
Warm golden chestnut colour with a paling rim. Scents of honey and brown sugar. Neutral entry into the mouth, like light sugar water. Then brown sugar, burnt toffee and onion. Good layering and complexity. Nice development in the mouth. Aftertaste of buttery toffee and scottish butter tablet. Good length. 91/100
Henriques & Henriques 15 Years Old Malmsey
Deep chestnut centre with a greening edge. Burnt brown sugar on the nose with a bit of VA, but not excessive. Smooth, sweet entry with some tannins that coat the teeth. Marmalade and creme caramel. Beatifully balanced with the acidity present. Fresh aftertaste of brown sugar and caramel. Good length. Good balance on the finish - like drinking / eating brown sugar crystals. 92/100
Henriques & Henriques Garrafiera 1934 Verdelho
Very dark wine, paling and slightly green rim. Burnt toffee nose with slight musgroom overtone. Blanaced entry with leather and coffee fudge. Hot middle with the mushrooms hidden in the background and then a wave of toffee. Slightly bitter aftertaste before creamy toffee yoghurt flavours arrive and slowly fade away over a long length. 92/100
Henriques & Henriques 1900 Century Malmsey
I have a note that this is a solera wine, but cannot find confirmation in the producer's tasting notes.
Deep chestnut colour with a green rim. Very full and warm nose showing sugar, honey and caramel with a spring water backing. Hot and spicy into the mouth in a pleasant way. Thick and sweet with great acidity and lemons playing between layers of burnt sugar, caramel and Christmas cake. Great balance. Peppery tones show through. Sweet finish with lots of brown sugar and apples coming through. Excellent length. Second favourite wine of the tasting. 97/100
HM Borges Reserva Seco 5 Years Old
The colour of antique pine, a definite orange tint. Warm nose of freshly sanded pine wood and orange essence. Smooth entry into the mouth, very sweet for a seco. Lots of acidity and sugar flavours. Delicate and flowery. Short length, slightly bitter. Disappointing. 84/100
HM Borges Reserva Meio Doce 5 Years Old
Warm orange colour with a pale rim. Mushrooms on the nose, strong VA. Sweet entry, little development in the mid-palate. Some burnt sugar. Acidity nicely balanced. Sweet aftertaste but short. Again, disappointing. 80/100
HM Borges Colheita 1995 Rich
Pale golden amber colour with a watery rim. Sugary nose, mushrooms. Sweet entry with marmalade and tangerines. Nice development in the mid palate but overly sweet so that the balance was lost. Medium length dominated by brown sugar flavours. 86/100
HM Borges Sercial 10 Years Old
Light golden hue, paling rim. Little nose, some brown sugar. Oranges in the mouth, slightly bitter and a little unbalanced. Good mid-palate, but still slightly unbalanced. Aftertaste of oranges and acidity. Medium-short length. 84/100
HM Borges Boal 10 Years Old
Deep chestnut colour with a gree/brown rim. Warm and inviting nose of brown sugars. Well balanced entry with sweet candied citrus fruits and pleassant supporting bitterness. Good length dominated by oranges and orange essence. Acidity keeps the mouth watering for a long time. Good wine. 91/100
HM Borges Malmsey 15 Years Old
Light brown colour with a greening rim. Subdued nose of light clover honey. Smooth into the mouth. First impression is of sweet water and then the mid-palate crashes over you. Very impressive levels of concentration and complexity of oranges, almonds and glace cherries. Beautiful balance. Length stays with you. Slightly short given the complexity in the mouth. 95/100
HM Borges Malmsey Solera 1940
Chestnut brown, light centre, greening rim. Only fresh air on the nose - a little fresh cut grass. Thick and sweet entry. Honey followed by a wave of mouth puckering bitter orange acidity. Beautiful balance, lots of complexity and layers of flavour and sweetness. Reasonable length of burnt caramel and orange flavours on an acidic undercurrent. Good wine. 95/100
HM Borges Boal Vintage 1977
Light chestnut colour with a watery rim. Bitter nose of burnt onions. Sweet entry into the mouth with bitters coming through with a wave of overwhelming acidity. Lacks balance. Some mid-palate complexity. Good length of lemon juice and Christmas cake. 91/100
Pereira D'Oliviera 15 Years Old Medium-Dry
80% Verdelho, balance Negra Mole and Bastardo.
Warm and pleasant chestnut colour with a green/yellow rim. Typical nose of mushroom and leather. Sweet, smooth entry into the mouth. Midpalate bitter with unripe banana skins grating on the teeth. Short aftertaste of brown sugar. 84/100
Pereira D'Oliviera Colheita Sercial 1989
Warm orange colour. Interesting nose of mouldy orange peel and burnt honey. Smooth into the mouth reminding me of honeyed oranges. Slightly bitter acidity grips the mouth. A little unbalanced. Orange acidity in the reasonable length aftertaste. 90/100
Pereira D'Oliviera Colheita Boal 1983
Light golden amber colour with a greening rim. Warm nose of molasses and mushrooms. Bitter and acidic in the mouth, lacking balance. Tannic and a little harsh, hiding the sweetness of the wine. Aftertaste of sweet and sugary rosewater. 83/100
Pereira D'Oliviera Colheita Malvasia 1987
Deep chestnut centre with a pale brown rim. Nose of warm brown sugar. Warm and smooth entry. Candied orange peel and marmalade. A nicely mid-palate with lots of complexity and acidity. Aftertaste of brown sugar soaked rhubarb of reasonable length. 88/100
Pereira D'Oliviera Reserva Terrantez 1977
Deep chestnut, paling rim, red hint to centre. Warm but subdued and sugary nose. Smooth entry, slightly unbalanced as sweet tip hits the tongue but then acidity overwhelms. Aftertaste of musty oranges. Length reasonable. 90/100
Pereira D'Oliviera Reserva Boal 1977
Deep chestnut brown centre, fades to edge with a hint of green at the rim. Warm honeyed and sugary nose. Smooth into the mouth with first impression of sugar and brown sugar and then acidity kicks in with a caramelised fruit complex in the mid-palate. Burnt sugar aftertaste of very good length. Nice caramelised overtones. Impressive. 94/100
Pereira D'Oliviera Reserva Sercial 1971
Colour of honey holding right into the rim. Vegetal nose, brussel sprouts and a hint of honey. Very smooth. Balance mid-palate develops slowly to let the acidity through in a controlled way. Honey complexity with delicate floral notes. A little heat, but not excessive. Very good length with complexity continuing. Acidity roughens the inside of the teeth but the length just goes on bringing honey with it. 93/100
Pereira D'Oliviera Reserva Verdelho 1966
Chestnut centre with a green rim. Warm and inviting nose of honey. Sweet into the mouth, acidic mid-palate. Lots of honey with citric overtones. Complexity develops with fruit and floral tones. Nice length of fruit and burnt sugar, like crepe suzette. 92/100
Pereira D'Oliviera Reserva Sercial 1937
Chestnut brown with a dark centre and greening rim. Very rich and full nose showing marmalade and baklava. Smooth entry, sweet and then developing a bitter woody taste before delicate flowery tones work through. Then teh acidity arrives. Slightly unbalanced. Sweet lemont pancake aftertaste with strong burnt falvours. Interesting. 92/100
Pereira D'Oliviera Reserva Verdelho 1905
Dark chestnut colour with a paling rim showing a hint of green. A little subdued on the nose but with clear honey, flowers and damp earth. Very sweet in the mouth with astringent acidity that hurts the tongue and makes the saliva glands go wild. Layer after layer of complexity dancing between waves of brown sugar cubes. Slight heat when you swallow. Aftertaste slightly short and dominated by sugar overtones. Fantastic in the mouth but lacking on the nose and length. 92/100
Please remember that these tasting notes are my personal (and honest) opinion of what I thought of the wines as tasted my way through them. Nothing more than that.
Alex
Last edited by Al B. on Tue Feb 28, 2006 1:55 am, edited 8 times in total.
Thanks Alex!
It is nice to be able to see the TNs beside one another and I am really going to have to try that 5 year old again!
Fine tasting notes and impressions. Well done!
It is nice to be able to see the TNs beside one another and I am really going to have to try that 5 year old again!
Fine tasting notes and impressions. Well done!
Ambition driven by passion, rather than money, is as strong an elixir as is Port. http://www.fortheloveofport.com
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Andy Velebil
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WOW 
Alex,
What a great set of notes, thanks for taking the time to write them up and put them here. I have been looking for notes on more easliy accessable Madeira's and this is it, and thanks to you I got it
Alex,
What a great set of notes, thanks for taking the time to write them up and put them here. I have been looking for notes on more easliy accessable Madeira's and this is it, and thanks to you I got it
Andy Velebil Good wine is a good familiar creature if it be well used. William Shakespeare http://www.fortheloveofport.com