TN: 1968 D'Oliveiras Bual Vintage Madeira

[Eric Menchen]

A single pour at a Denver restaurant (Old Major), with the bottle reportedly opened two days prior. I forgot to ask the bottling date.

When the glass was placed on the table I could detect a classic wine cellar musty aroma. Swirling the glass revealed aromas of cinnamon, fig, and quince. In the mouth, lots of citrus acidity, primarily lemon, with a hint of orange. Medium bodied. Later a hint of leather revealed itself to the nose, and some fresher fruitiness developed in the mouth, almost like cherry, along with some caramel sweetness. Really long nice finish.

93-94 points.

[Roy Hersh]

Always a distinct pleasure. I've been touting this Madeira for nearly 15 years now. Great QPR. I remember when it was $69 and watched it creep up to about double that price. Still worth it though.

[Justin A]

$69!! Holy smokes. I wish I bought heavily back then, but I since I didnt even have a drivers license, I doubt I knew what Madeira was! So, Roy, whats your next winner sub $100 Madeira ?

[Gary Banker]

Not Roy, but these are very good:

1988 D'Oliveira's terrantez
1989 D'Oliveira's malvazia
any of the 20-year blends, if you can find them

[Barry Sunderland]

I'm not Roy, either.

[Barry Sunderland]

Gary, how is the D'Oly 77T vs. the 88T?

The best,
Not Roy

[Justin A]

I havent had either. Headed to Funchal 1st week of Sept. Really looking forward to try their younger wines and find something that I can drink regularly without hurting the wallet too bad. Something sub $100.

[Steve Pollack]

I second the 1989 D'Oliveira Malvasia. One of the best sub $100 Madeiras on the market, IMHO.

[John Vachon]

I got my first four bottles from Rare Wine at $60.

[Justin A]

John. Holy Crap!!! Even at $140, I still find it an excellent value. Cant imagine at $60. I wouldnt have been able to help myself!

[Barry Sunderland]

John. Holy Crap!!! Even at $140, I still find it an excellent value. Cant imagine at $60. I wouldnt have been able to help myself!

Mind you, those $60 bottles did not see the longer cask time that the more expensive/recent bottlings have acquired.

[Barry Sunderland]

I havent had either. Headed to Funchal 1st week of Sept. Really looking forward to try their younger wines and find something that I can drink regularly without hurting the wallet too bad. Something sub $100.

Outstanding. I'll hide in your luggage...

[John Vachon]

Barry:

Longer cask time-it sounds logical but I can only give you an opinion based on one example.

My first rebuy was 10-12 years later(2004).

In about 2005 or 2006 I drank one of the original bottle(no btl date).

My tasting notes on that bottle showed that I thought it was better than current ones and

it had a deeper color.