Yes, I was not making up the story about Barbeito stock and know how they prefer to keep the pipeline filled and the way in which they do so. I spent lots of time learning these dynamics at some houses like Barbeito, D'Oliveiras, Blandy's (MWC) etc.
Tonight I'll be trying a bottle of the 1910 Sercial and am looking forward to having it. It will be well decanted by the time I get to wrap my lips around it.
John, if you are still paying attention, please let us know and I'll put together a short list of other fine Sercials to consider. You may have to change your name from Sweetstuff to Drystuff though if you continue to appreciate this style of Madeira.
That 1950 Faja dos Padres is such a beauty. Glad to see more of it has now been released and I am not surprised about the price doubling, however, that is pretty steep for such a youngster. It is a great example of what I wrote earlier in this thread:
Unfortunately the scarcity ... real or perceived ... or even created with intent, makes for increased pricing when new bottlings are released.
