For The Love Of Port

I have never met a Bastardo that has blown me away and may Madeira's Moscatel grape is the only other one that I can say that about, however, I have liked some Moscatels considerably more than Bastardo overall. In three previous bottles I've opend none were impressive. My last one was opened several days ago and was decanted for 48 hours that made a big difference. It showed really well but that was after LOTS of other great bottles of white/red wines so my palate was not sharp at the time. I have a couple of ounces left enough for a full glass. Will re-evaluate this tonight ... four days four days after it was initially decanted. I'll report back here with impressions.

Only had one bottle of Bastardo and I did not think it was anything "special", but wouldn't turn my nose to it either.

I had one bottle over 5-6 days a couple years ago. I thought it was the driest madeira I've had. I was drinking it at the same time as a bottle of Favilla Vieira 1920 malvazia, so that may have influenced my perception. I didn't get any of the bitterness that others have found. I liked it and am glad that I have two more bottles. I would buy more if they were $100 or so cheaper.

One thing that interests me is that tasting notes on various bastardo vintages are varied. Even the three 1927s that have been released so far seem to show rather differently. I wonder when H&H will release theirs.

I'll ask them in person in May. It is a good question and deserves an answer. I know in addition to the D'Oliveiras, I've had the Leacock's version a couple of times. Not sure if I am missing one that I may have had before FTLOP came along. I used to do A LOT more big tastings of Madeira than I have in the past five years. Although they were just about always on the other coast.

Roy,

Did you ever get to ask H&H about their 1927 bastardo?