Madeira tasting notes
Posted: Mon Jan 22, 2007 5:08 pm
I am a Madeira fan and have the opportunity to enjoy it regularly. My tasting notes are short and criptic, but attached is anyone cares to look. I'm always interested in alternative experiences.
SRS MADEIRA TASTING NOTES (Updated 1/07)
Henriques & Henriques Reserva Malmsey (c.1800): Dried flowers, wood, spices. Endless finish. 20. 4/17/00
1826 Blandy Bual solera: Good, rich wine. Very good complexity. Long finish. 18.
1827 Quinta do Serrado Bual: Medium dark. Orange, some peaches, alcohol, cinnamon and sweet toffee nose. Similar taste with even more intensity. Perfect balance. Very long finish. 20. $265. 5/2/99. 19.5 in 10/06. Very complex, very long, not quite as harmonious as 1860 MWA Bual.
1830 Quinta do Serrado Malvasia: Medium brown. Intense malvazia nose of nuts, toffee, cognac. Intense similar flavors, but not quite harmonious. Long finish. 18. $295. 4/10/99
1832 Acciaioly Terrantez: Soft, balanced with predominant citrus and orange peel nose. Not very intense. 15.5. $350. 5/1/99
1834 Barbeito Malvasia: Dark. Medicinal, tea and cinnamon nose. Medium sweet. Spices, cloves, nuts, slight burned sugar taste. Excellent balance. Long, somewhat woody finish. 17.5. $245. 5/2/99
1834 Barbeito Terrantez: Toffee and caramel flavors. Excellent acid. Long finish. 19. 4/17/00
1836 Acciaioly Malmsey: Dark. Alcohol, violet nose. Complex taste, but distinctly woody. Not enough fruit to cover the acid. 15.5. $450. 5/2/99
1837 Acciaioly Bual, Special Reserve, Medium Sweet: Violets, some caramel on nose. Similar flavors with huge complexity. Long finish. 19+. $265. 1/06.
1839 Acciaioly Verdelho: Intense nose of violets, but some off odors. Deep treacle, nut and citrus taste. Long finish. 17.5. 10/99
1845 Cossart Gordon Centennary Bual solera: Nicely balanced without depth for excellent. Good with food. 17. $190. 1/02, 2/03.
1846 Avery's Verdelho: Huge nose of violets, but unavoidable resin component. Drying out and alcoholic in mouth, with resin overwhelming the fruit. Short finish. 14. $350. 2/02
1850 D=Oliveira Verdelho: Very, very dark. Rich nose of coffee, nuts and tobacco. Very rich, complex flavors. Sweet for veldelho. Very high acid. 18. $395. 5/1/99; 19 on 4/17/00. 19.5 in 10/06.
1860 Blandy Bual: Wow. Dark brown. Huge orange, cognac, spicy nose with clear violets component. Similar mouthfilling flavors with intense violets vein plus chocolate and walnut tastes. High acid, multi-minute finish. Still young. 20. $150. 6/12/99; still 20, but now $500. 2/04. 20 in 10/06. Harmonious, no harsh edges, perfect.
1860 Cossart Gordon Sercial solera: Light yellow. Fruit and flower nose. Subtle taste, huge acidity. 15. 10/04
1862 H.M. Borges Terrantez: Nose pleasant, but not memorable. Good flavor intensity, but not very appealing. Medium length dry finish. What=s all the hype about? 16.5.
1862 D=Oliveira Sercial: Dark. Cognac, chocolate and cinnamon nose and flavors. Long finish with high acid. Great wine. 20. $400. 5/1/99
1863 Barbeito Bual: Medium dark. Orange peel nose. Less sweet than most Bual. Orange, grass, some nuts. High acid dominates finish. 17. $225. 5/2/99
1863 Berry Bros & Rudd Malmsey solera: Lighter in color and body than Blandy, but exquisite sweet nose and very long finish. 19+. 10/04
1863 Blandy Malmsey solera: Medium-dark. Deep toffee, nut and cognac nose. Rich with fruit, toffee and hazelnuts. Long finish. 19. 18.5 in 10/06. Still lovely, but far outclassed by 1880 Blandy Malmsey.
1863 Leacock Malmsey solera: Same as Blandy=s. 19.
1863 Miles Malmsey solera: Extremely dark. With little airing, lemon nose and tangy lemon flavor. After few days, has little nose, but big body with relatively simple flavors, nice finish. 16.5/17.
1864 Blandy Bual: Excellent, rich wine. Probably not opened enough in advance, limiting finish. 17, but many have deserved better score.
1864 Gran Cama de Lobos solera (Verdelho): Tangy, smoky, cognac nose. Very good depth and acid. Medium sweet. Missing a little depth for classic. 17.
1865 Cossart Gordon Bastardo: Bitter. 14.
1867 Lodge (veldelho or bual): Sweet, but relatively simple from extended demijohn aging rather than cask aging. 15.5. $265. 2/04.
1869 Badminton House Malmsey: Sensational; no flaws; big finish. 19 in 9/03.
1870 Blandy Bastardo: Medium brown-gold with red tint. Typical bitter orange nose. Medium bodied, all things in medium balance. Citrusy flavors. Verdelho sweetness. Clean finish. 17. $460. 6/12/99
1870 Vinhos Donaldson Sercial: Terrific wine. Rich nose. Great complexity. Medium sweet. Long finish. 18.5.; 19+ in 9/03.
1872 Leacock Verdelho solera: Medium dark. Good nutty nose. Medium depth and complexity. Finish slightly short. 16.
1875 Barbeito Malvasia: Dark. Nose of dried cherries, cognac, hint of orange, cinnamon. Taste of cherries, smoke, lemon. Finish long, complex, lemon tinged. 18. $225. 5/2/99. 18.5. 1/06.
1875 Blandy Sercial (Averys): Dark, reddish color. Very sweet. Probably malmsey. 15.
1875 D=Oliveira Malmsey: Molasses, caramel and nuts on nose. Big fruit. Long, nutty finish. Excellent malmsey. 18 in 9/03, 19 in 1/06. $375.
1875 D=Oliveira Moscatel: Dark black. Very sweet but funky nose, probably bottle stink. Very, very sweet, but simple. Acidity almost too low. 16.5. $400. 5/2/99
1879 Torre Bella Verdelho: Light. Nougart and hint of violets on nose. Simple wine. Low acid. 10. 5/1/99
1880 Blandy Verdelho solera: Nuts, caramel and good acid. Balanced with medium length finish. 17. 5/00. 18-. 1/03.
1880 D=Oliveira Terrantez: Very dark. Intense nose and flavors, but hard to identify. 17. $425. 5/1/99
1880 Blandy Malmsey: Orange, nut and cognac nose. Similar flavors plus dried fruits. Extremely long finish. Not huge, but exquisite. 19.5. $840. 2/04. 20 in 10/06.
1885 Barbeito Verdelho: Light- medium dark. Low intensity orange peel and cognac nose. Orange and cinnamon flavors with toasted almonds. Fairly simple. 15.5. $195. 5/1/99; 18 in 9/03.
1894 Henriques & Henriques Malmsey solera: Very dark. Toasty, burned nose. Flavors of chocolate, figs and spices. Moderately long finish. 17. $125. 5/00; 16 in 2/04.
1895 D=Oliveira Malvasia: Very dark. Alcohol and nutty nose. Rich, but finish short despite good acid. 15.5. $325. 5/2/99
1897 MWA Malmsey: Medium dry; short finish. 15
1898 Barbeito Verdelho: Little nose. Nutty. Short finish. 15. 5/00. 16+. 1/03.
1898 Henriques & Henriques Bual solera: Dark, intense wine. Prunes, nuts and cinnamon. Distinct smokiness of many old H & H madeiras. Long finish. 18.5/19. 5/00, 1/05, 1/06
1899 Abudarham Terrantez: Deep orange brown. Huge caramel, toffee nose. Great depth of flavor with toffee, nuts, distinct hints of cloves and cinnamon. Long, sweet finish; perfect balancing acidity. Bual sweetness. Same wine as Cossart Gordon AAO-SM@. 19.5. $200. 6/12/99
1900 Barbeito Malvasia: Very, very dark. But nose has paste, weeds, prunes and burned molasses. Very concentrated in mouth, but flavors don=t develop well. Dreid fruits and spices. Medium finish. 16. $265. 5/2/99
1900 Henriques & Henriques Malmsey solera: Very dark brown. Slightly burned nose with rich toffee, caramel and cognac nose. Very similar rich flavors with distinct smokiness. Long finish. 18.5. $125. 6/12/99. English bottling 16 in 4/01
1900 D=Oliveira Verdelho: Little nose. Figs in mouth. 16. 4/17/00
1900 D=Oliveira Malvasia: Figs, apricots in nose. Great caramel nose and taste plus toffee and fruit in mouth. Great, long finish. 19. 4/17/00, 4/01
1900 D=Oliveira Moscatel: Black. Roasted, Karo nose. Very sweet, but not complex. Excellent acidity. 16.5. $345. 5/2/99
1900 Leacock Moscatel: Very sweet, but dull. Good acid. 16.5. Probably same as D=Oliveira.
1901 Adegas do Torreao Malvasia: Only medium sweet. Toffee, coffee grounds nose. Violets taste. Good complexity, moderate length. High acid. Bigger wines overwhelm it. 16.5/17. $270. 4/00,4/01
1901 Barbeito Malvasia: Sweet, caramel and rubbery nose and taste. Nice finish. 17. 4/17/00. 15 in 4/01, tasted with 1900-1901 malvasias.
1903 Barbeito Sercial MBV: Clean. Nuts. Good acid. Long finish. 18+. $150. 1/06.
1903 D=Oliveira Bual: Cheesy nose. Great dried fruit and cognac flavors. Slightly chocolatey. Long finish. 18.5. 4/17/00; 2/04.
1905 Cossart Gordon Sercial: Good flavor, relatively sweet. Moderate finish. 16.5;17+ in 9/03.
1905 D=Oliveira Verdelho: Cognac, toffee nose. Prunes, fruit, dried fruit in mouth. Slightly short finish. 17.5. 4/17/00; 18 in 2/04,1/05; 18.5 in 1/06.
1905 Leacock Sercial: Nice flavor and good acidic finish. Not very complex. 16.
1905 Torre Bella Verdelho: Medium dark. Alcohol nose, then followed by intense violet smell plus all-spice and vanilla on nose and taste. Long, high acid finish with cloves. 16.5. 5/1/99
1906 Madeira Wine Association Malmsey: Rich with nuts and toffee flavors. Slightly short finish. 16.5. 5/00
1907 Barros Malvasia: Moldy. 10. 5/00
1907 Blandy Bual: Medium dark. Orange, cognac and nuts on nose. Young, intense flavors as in nose. Very long finish. 19.5. $295. 10/04
1907 D=Oliveira Malvasia: Intense molasses and nuts nose; rich dried fruit and molasses taste; long finish. 19. 1/05.
1908 Cossart Gordon Bual: Medium prunes, nuts and cinnamon. Only moderate complexity. Medium length finish. 17. 5/00
1908 D=Oliveira Bual: Orange nose. Huge, rich taste. Long finish. 18.5. 4/17/00. Same as Cossart Gordon wine described above.
1910 Barbeito Bual: Odd, earthy. Subtle spices. 16. 4/17/00; 15.5 in 2/04.
1910 Barbeito Sercial: Leechy-nut nose. Sweet. Short finish. Dull. Simple. 12. $135. 5/1/99. On 4/17/00, B&B, cognac, wood nose. Sweet, but not complex. Nice, long finish. 17.
1910 D=Oliveira Sercial: Dark, but unremarkable. 15.
1911 Blandy Bual: Earthy with nose and flavors of nuts, cloves and chocolate. Nice finish. 17.5/18. 5/00
1912 D=Oliveira Verdelho: Terrific fruit nose. Very long fruity flavors with lengthy finish. 19.5. 10/04
1914 Barbeito Quinta da Piedade Malvasia: Not very sweet, but lovely wine with everything in balance. Long finish. 18. 2001
1915 LMR Bual: Medium dark. Off, ether nose and intense nuts, cinnamon and violets. Taste pleasant but not interesting. Long, clove finish. 16. 5/2/99
1916 Cossart Gordon Malmsey: Good, rich wine. Moderate depth and finish. 17. May have needed more airing.
1917 Blandy Verdehlo: Very dark. Huge, young, cinnamon nose. Deep similar flavors. Misses being perfect by slightly low acidity. 19. $270. 1/03, 1/06.
1920 Blandy Bual: Medium sweet. Fine depth and complexity. Long, lingering finish. 18.
1920 Cossart Gordon Bual: Apparently same as Blandy, but shorter and less rich. Assume storage difference. 16. 4/5/02.
1920 Cossart Gordon Malmsey: Dark. Rich flavor, but not overwhelming. Slightly short. 18. 11/99
1920 Favilla Vieira Bual: Cinnamon and caramel nose. Lovely, medium, balanced wine. Slightly short finish. 16. 4/17/00, 4/5/02
1920 Favilla Vieira Malvasia: Very dark. Nuts and dried fruits on nose and intensely in flavor. Great, rich wine. Excellent acid. Very long finish. 19/19.5. $195. 10/04
1920 Rutherford & Miles Bual: Same as Blandy. 18. 4/5/02
1922 D=Oliveira Bual: Very dark. Nose of oranges/ Sunkist orange soda. Rich, pruney taste. Very long finish. Just a little simple for great. 18.5 $160. 10/04
1924 Blandy Malmsey Solera: 4 bottles, 3 undrinkable and 1 marginal.
1924 D=Oliveira Sercial: Nuts, cinnamon, molasses with coffee-tinged nose. Sweet. Peanut toffee in mouth. Excellent finish, but distinctly peanut taste. 18. 4/17/00
1927 Adegas do Torreao Bastardo: Not typical Bastardo, and all the better for it. Sercial sweetness, but fuller. Prunes, molasses, slight alcohol, cinnamon and cloves on nose. Dry. Good fruit. Short finish. Missing the usual ugly, bitter Bastardo finish. 17. $250. 1/02, 1/05.
1929 Barbeito Verdelho: Very dark. Hazelnut, alcohol, nuts, orange/ lemon nose and flavors. Long, acidic finish. Rich. 18.5. $125. 10/04
1933 Broadbent Malvasia: Very dark. Little nose. Sweet. Stewed prunes. Short finish with low acid. 15. $180. Justino Henriques same wine. 5/2/99
1934 Henriques & Henriques Verdelho: Good depth in nose. Medium richness. Slightly short finish. 16. 11/93
1935 Borges Bual:
1937 D=Oliveira Sercial: Chocolate and cognac overtones. Odd, stinky nose. Very high acid, short finish. 16. $110. Will be better if nose stink blows off. 5/1/99
1939 Barbeito Verdelho: Cinnamon, fig, apricot nose. Narrow flavors; nuts with cognac edge. Short finish. 16-. 1/03
1940 H.M. Borges AB@ Reserve solera (Verdelho): Pale gold to slightly brown. Smokey and sweet hazelnut nose. Nut and honey flavors with enough acid for perfect balance. 17. $70. 6/12/99
1940 Broadbent Sercial: Hazelnut nose and flavor. Medium finish. Good acid. Farily light color. Excellent balance. Lighter style. 14. $200. 5/1/99
1940 Leacock Sercial: Dark, slightly red color. Caramel nose with aggres-sive nuttiness. Taste with flash of nutty sweetness followed by lemon, acid finish. Lovely Sercial. 17.5. $200. 6/12/99
1950 Barros Moscatel: Dark. Floral, pear nose. Sweet, muscat taste. Excellent acid. Nice finish. 18. $135. 5/2/99, 1/03
1952 Cossart Gordon Bual (1977 Royal Silver Jubilee): Good, rich wine with full finish. 17.
1954 Barbeito Malvasia: Unremarkable. 15.
1954 Blandy Bual:
1954 Leacock Terrantez: Intense orange, cantlope/ honeydew nose. Sweet, burned sugar taste. Very high acid. 15. $125. 5/1/99
1955 Barbeito Moscatel: Medium brown. Nutty and slight muscat nose. Medium sweet. No depth or complexity. Short finish. Marginal acidity. 14.5. $110. 6/12/99
1957 D=Oliveira Old Wine (Tinta Negra Mole): Medium brown. Medium bodied, sweet, mostly caramel flavor without great depth. Clean finish. Enough acidity. 16. $80. 6/12/99
1964 Blandy Malmsey: Reddish brown. Big dried fruit nose. Very sweet, moderate complexity. Nice finish with enough acid. 16.5.
1968 D=Oliveira Bual: Big wine, but quite closed. Perhaps 16.
1971 Blandy Bual. Rich toffee and coffee nose. Moderate depth. 17-.
1971 Miles Malmsey: Good, sweet wine with good acidity. Medium length finish. 15.5
1978 Barbeito Sercial: Light caramel and toffee nose and flavor; good acid. 16. 1/05, 2/06.
Blandy Reserve Malmsey.
Broadbent Terrantez Old Reserve: Dull. 13.
Christopher=s Rare Old Verdelho: Pleasant. 14.
Cossart No. 26.
Cossart Gordon Malmsey 15 Years.
Leacock Sercial 10 Years.
Leacock Verdelho 10 Years.
Rare Wine Company Bual. Toffe, nuts and some complexity. 16.
Rare Wine Company Malmsey. Hazelnuts, toffee, perfect acidity, moderate length. 17+.
Rare Wine Company Sercial. Alcoholic nose. Simple, dull and short. 14.
SRS MADEIRA TASTING NOTES (Updated 1/07)
Henriques & Henriques Reserva Malmsey (c.1800): Dried flowers, wood, spices. Endless finish. 20. 4/17/00
1826 Blandy Bual solera: Good, rich wine. Very good complexity. Long finish. 18.
1827 Quinta do Serrado Bual: Medium dark. Orange, some peaches, alcohol, cinnamon and sweet toffee nose. Similar taste with even more intensity. Perfect balance. Very long finish. 20. $265. 5/2/99. 19.5 in 10/06. Very complex, very long, not quite as harmonious as 1860 MWA Bual.
1830 Quinta do Serrado Malvasia: Medium brown. Intense malvazia nose of nuts, toffee, cognac. Intense similar flavors, but not quite harmonious. Long finish. 18. $295. 4/10/99
1832 Acciaioly Terrantez: Soft, balanced with predominant citrus and orange peel nose. Not very intense. 15.5. $350. 5/1/99
1834 Barbeito Malvasia: Dark. Medicinal, tea and cinnamon nose. Medium sweet. Spices, cloves, nuts, slight burned sugar taste. Excellent balance. Long, somewhat woody finish. 17.5. $245. 5/2/99
1834 Barbeito Terrantez: Toffee and caramel flavors. Excellent acid. Long finish. 19. 4/17/00
1836 Acciaioly Malmsey: Dark. Alcohol, violet nose. Complex taste, but distinctly woody. Not enough fruit to cover the acid. 15.5. $450. 5/2/99
1837 Acciaioly Bual, Special Reserve, Medium Sweet: Violets, some caramel on nose. Similar flavors with huge complexity. Long finish. 19+. $265. 1/06.
1839 Acciaioly Verdelho: Intense nose of violets, but some off odors. Deep treacle, nut and citrus taste. Long finish. 17.5. 10/99
1845 Cossart Gordon Centennary Bual solera: Nicely balanced without depth for excellent. Good with food. 17. $190. 1/02, 2/03.
1846 Avery's Verdelho: Huge nose of violets, but unavoidable resin component. Drying out and alcoholic in mouth, with resin overwhelming the fruit. Short finish. 14. $350. 2/02
1850 D=Oliveira Verdelho: Very, very dark. Rich nose of coffee, nuts and tobacco. Very rich, complex flavors. Sweet for veldelho. Very high acid. 18. $395. 5/1/99; 19 on 4/17/00. 19.5 in 10/06.
1860 Blandy Bual: Wow. Dark brown. Huge orange, cognac, spicy nose with clear violets component. Similar mouthfilling flavors with intense violets vein plus chocolate and walnut tastes. High acid, multi-minute finish. Still young. 20. $150. 6/12/99; still 20, but now $500. 2/04. 20 in 10/06. Harmonious, no harsh edges, perfect.
1860 Cossart Gordon Sercial solera: Light yellow. Fruit and flower nose. Subtle taste, huge acidity. 15. 10/04
1862 H.M. Borges Terrantez: Nose pleasant, but not memorable. Good flavor intensity, but not very appealing. Medium length dry finish. What=s all the hype about? 16.5.
1862 D=Oliveira Sercial: Dark. Cognac, chocolate and cinnamon nose and flavors. Long finish with high acid. Great wine. 20. $400. 5/1/99
1863 Barbeito Bual: Medium dark. Orange peel nose. Less sweet than most Bual. Orange, grass, some nuts. High acid dominates finish. 17. $225. 5/2/99
1863 Berry Bros & Rudd Malmsey solera: Lighter in color and body than Blandy, but exquisite sweet nose and very long finish. 19+. 10/04
1863 Blandy Malmsey solera: Medium-dark. Deep toffee, nut and cognac nose. Rich with fruit, toffee and hazelnuts. Long finish. 19. 18.5 in 10/06. Still lovely, but far outclassed by 1880 Blandy Malmsey.
1863 Leacock Malmsey solera: Same as Blandy=s. 19.
1863 Miles Malmsey solera: Extremely dark. With little airing, lemon nose and tangy lemon flavor. After few days, has little nose, but big body with relatively simple flavors, nice finish. 16.5/17.
1864 Blandy Bual: Excellent, rich wine. Probably not opened enough in advance, limiting finish. 17, but many have deserved better score.
1864 Gran Cama de Lobos solera (Verdelho): Tangy, smoky, cognac nose. Very good depth and acid. Medium sweet. Missing a little depth for classic. 17.
1865 Cossart Gordon Bastardo: Bitter. 14.
1867 Lodge (veldelho or bual): Sweet, but relatively simple from extended demijohn aging rather than cask aging. 15.5. $265. 2/04.
1869 Badminton House Malmsey: Sensational; no flaws; big finish. 19 in 9/03.
1870 Blandy Bastardo: Medium brown-gold with red tint. Typical bitter orange nose. Medium bodied, all things in medium balance. Citrusy flavors. Verdelho sweetness. Clean finish. 17. $460. 6/12/99
1870 Vinhos Donaldson Sercial: Terrific wine. Rich nose. Great complexity. Medium sweet. Long finish. 18.5.; 19+ in 9/03.
1872 Leacock Verdelho solera: Medium dark. Good nutty nose. Medium depth and complexity. Finish slightly short. 16.
1875 Barbeito Malvasia: Dark. Nose of dried cherries, cognac, hint of orange, cinnamon. Taste of cherries, smoke, lemon. Finish long, complex, lemon tinged. 18. $225. 5/2/99. 18.5. 1/06.
1875 Blandy Sercial (Averys): Dark, reddish color. Very sweet. Probably malmsey. 15.
1875 D=Oliveira Malmsey: Molasses, caramel and nuts on nose. Big fruit. Long, nutty finish. Excellent malmsey. 18 in 9/03, 19 in 1/06. $375.
1875 D=Oliveira Moscatel: Dark black. Very sweet but funky nose, probably bottle stink. Very, very sweet, but simple. Acidity almost too low. 16.5. $400. 5/2/99
1879 Torre Bella Verdelho: Light. Nougart and hint of violets on nose. Simple wine. Low acid. 10. 5/1/99
1880 Blandy Verdelho solera: Nuts, caramel and good acid. Balanced with medium length finish. 17. 5/00. 18-. 1/03.
1880 D=Oliveira Terrantez: Very dark. Intense nose and flavors, but hard to identify. 17. $425. 5/1/99
1880 Blandy Malmsey: Orange, nut and cognac nose. Similar flavors plus dried fruits. Extremely long finish. Not huge, but exquisite. 19.5. $840. 2/04. 20 in 10/06.
1885 Barbeito Verdelho: Light- medium dark. Low intensity orange peel and cognac nose. Orange and cinnamon flavors with toasted almonds. Fairly simple. 15.5. $195. 5/1/99; 18 in 9/03.
1894 Henriques & Henriques Malmsey solera: Very dark. Toasty, burned nose. Flavors of chocolate, figs and spices. Moderately long finish. 17. $125. 5/00; 16 in 2/04.
1895 D=Oliveira Malvasia: Very dark. Alcohol and nutty nose. Rich, but finish short despite good acid. 15.5. $325. 5/2/99
1897 MWA Malmsey: Medium dry; short finish. 15
1898 Barbeito Verdelho: Little nose. Nutty. Short finish. 15. 5/00. 16+. 1/03.
1898 Henriques & Henriques Bual solera: Dark, intense wine. Prunes, nuts and cinnamon. Distinct smokiness of many old H & H madeiras. Long finish. 18.5/19. 5/00, 1/05, 1/06
1899 Abudarham Terrantez: Deep orange brown. Huge caramel, toffee nose. Great depth of flavor with toffee, nuts, distinct hints of cloves and cinnamon. Long, sweet finish; perfect balancing acidity. Bual sweetness. Same wine as Cossart Gordon AAO-SM@. 19.5. $200. 6/12/99
1900 Barbeito Malvasia: Very, very dark. But nose has paste, weeds, prunes and burned molasses. Very concentrated in mouth, but flavors don=t develop well. Dreid fruits and spices. Medium finish. 16. $265. 5/2/99
1900 Henriques & Henriques Malmsey solera: Very dark brown. Slightly burned nose with rich toffee, caramel and cognac nose. Very similar rich flavors with distinct smokiness. Long finish. 18.5. $125. 6/12/99. English bottling 16 in 4/01
1900 D=Oliveira Verdelho: Little nose. Figs in mouth. 16. 4/17/00
1900 D=Oliveira Malvasia: Figs, apricots in nose. Great caramel nose and taste plus toffee and fruit in mouth. Great, long finish. 19. 4/17/00, 4/01
1900 D=Oliveira Moscatel: Black. Roasted, Karo nose. Very sweet, but not complex. Excellent acidity. 16.5. $345. 5/2/99
1900 Leacock Moscatel: Very sweet, but dull. Good acid. 16.5. Probably same as D=Oliveira.
1901 Adegas do Torreao Malvasia: Only medium sweet. Toffee, coffee grounds nose. Violets taste. Good complexity, moderate length. High acid. Bigger wines overwhelm it. 16.5/17. $270. 4/00,4/01
1901 Barbeito Malvasia: Sweet, caramel and rubbery nose and taste. Nice finish. 17. 4/17/00. 15 in 4/01, tasted with 1900-1901 malvasias.
1903 Barbeito Sercial MBV: Clean. Nuts. Good acid. Long finish. 18+. $150. 1/06.
1903 D=Oliveira Bual: Cheesy nose. Great dried fruit and cognac flavors. Slightly chocolatey. Long finish. 18.5. 4/17/00; 2/04.
1905 Cossart Gordon Sercial: Good flavor, relatively sweet. Moderate finish. 16.5;17+ in 9/03.
1905 D=Oliveira Verdelho: Cognac, toffee nose. Prunes, fruit, dried fruit in mouth. Slightly short finish. 17.5. 4/17/00; 18 in 2/04,1/05; 18.5 in 1/06.
1905 Leacock Sercial: Nice flavor and good acidic finish. Not very complex. 16.
1905 Torre Bella Verdelho: Medium dark. Alcohol nose, then followed by intense violet smell plus all-spice and vanilla on nose and taste. Long, high acid finish with cloves. 16.5. 5/1/99
1906 Madeira Wine Association Malmsey: Rich with nuts and toffee flavors. Slightly short finish. 16.5. 5/00
1907 Barros Malvasia: Moldy. 10. 5/00
1907 Blandy Bual: Medium dark. Orange, cognac and nuts on nose. Young, intense flavors as in nose. Very long finish. 19.5. $295. 10/04
1907 D=Oliveira Malvasia: Intense molasses and nuts nose; rich dried fruit and molasses taste; long finish. 19. 1/05.
1908 Cossart Gordon Bual: Medium prunes, nuts and cinnamon. Only moderate complexity. Medium length finish. 17. 5/00
1908 D=Oliveira Bual: Orange nose. Huge, rich taste. Long finish. 18.5. 4/17/00. Same as Cossart Gordon wine described above.
1910 Barbeito Bual: Odd, earthy. Subtle spices. 16. 4/17/00; 15.5 in 2/04.
1910 Barbeito Sercial: Leechy-nut nose. Sweet. Short finish. Dull. Simple. 12. $135. 5/1/99. On 4/17/00, B&B, cognac, wood nose. Sweet, but not complex. Nice, long finish. 17.
1910 D=Oliveira Sercial: Dark, but unremarkable. 15.
1911 Blandy Bual: Earthy with nose and flavors of nuts, cloves and chocolate. Nice finish. 17.5/18. 5/00
1912 D=Oliveira Verdelho: Terrific fruit nose. Very long fruity flavors with lengthy finish. 19.5. 10/04
1914 Barbeito Quinta da Piedade Malvasia: Not very sweet, but lovely wine with everything in balance. Long finish. 18. 2001
1915 LMR Bual: Medium dark. Off, ether nose and intense nuts, cinnamon and violets. Taste pleasant but not interesting. Long, clove finish. 16. 5/2/99
1916 Cossart Gordon Malmsey: Good, rich wine. Moderate depth and finish. 17. May have needed more airing.
1917 Blandy Verdehlo: Very dark. Huge, young, cinnamon nose. Deep similar flavors. Misses being perfect by slightly low acidity. 19. $270. 1/03, 1/06.
1920 Blandy Bual: Medium sweet. Fine depth and complexity. Long, lingering finish. 18.
1920 Cossart Gordon Bual: Apparently same as Blandy, but shorter and less rich. Assume storage difference. 16. 4/5/02.
1920 Cossart Gordon Malmsey: Dark. Rich flavor, but not overwhelming. Slightly short. 18. 11/99
1920 Favilla Vieira Bual: Cinnamon and caramel nose. Lovely, medium, balanced wine. Slightly short finish. 16. 4/17/00, 4/5/02
1920 Favilla Vieira Malvasia: Very dark. Nuts and dried fruits on nose and intensely in flavor. Great, rich wine. Excellent acid. Very long finish. 19/19.5. $195. 10/04
1920 Rutherford & Miles Bual: Same as Blandy. 18. 4/5/02
1922 D=Oliveira Bual: Very dark. Nose of oranges/ Sunkist orange soda. Rich, pruney taste. Very long finish. Just a little simple for great. 18.5 $160. 10/04
1924 Blandy Malmsey Solera: 4 bottles, 3 undrinkable and 1 marginal.
1924 D=Oliveira Sercial: Nuts, cinnamon, molasses with coffee-tinged nose. Sweet. Peanut toffee in mouth. Excellent finish, but distinctly peanut taste. 18. 4/17/00
1927 Adegas do Torreao Bastardo: Not typical Bastardo, and all the better for it. Sercial sweetness, but fuller. Prunes, molasses, slight alcohol, cinnamon and cloves on nose. Dry. Good fruit. Short finish. Missing the usual ugly, bitter Bastardo finish. 17. $250. 1/02, 1/05.
1929 Barbeito Verdelho: Very dark. Hazelnut, alcohol, nuts, orange/ lemon nose and flavors. Long, acidic finish. Rich. 18.5. $125. 10/04
1933 Broadbent Malvasia: Very dark. Little nose. Sweet. Stewed prunes. Short finish with low acid. 15. $180. Justino Henriques same wine. 5/2/99
1934 Henriques & Henriques Verdelho: Good depth in nose. Medium richness. Slightly short finish. 16. 11/93
1935 Borges Bual:
1937 D=Oliveira Sercial: Chocolate and cognac overtones. Odd, stinky nose. Very high acid, short finish. 16. $110. Will be better if nose stink blows off. 5/1/99
1939 Barbeito Verdelho: Cinnamon, fig, apricot nose. Narrow flavors; nuts with cognac edge. Short finish. 16-. 1/03
1940 H.M. Borges AB@ Reserve solera (Verdelho): Pale gold to slightly brown. Smokey and sweet hazelnut nose. Nut and honey flavors with enough acid for perfect balance. 17. $70. 6/12/99
1940 Broadbent Sercial: Hazelnut nose and flavor. Medium finish. Good acid. Farily light color. Excellent balance. Lighter style. 14. $200. 5/1/99
1940 Leacock Sercial: Dark, slightly red color. Caramel nose with aggres-sive nuttiness. Taste with flash of nutty sweetness followed by lemon, acid finish. Lovely Sercial. 17.5. $200. 6/12/99
1950 Barros Moscatel: Dark. Floral, pear nose. Sweet, muscat taste. Excellent acid. Nice finish. 18. $135. 5/2/99, 1/03
1952 Cossart Gordon Bual (1977 Royal Silver Jubilee): Good, rich wine with full finish. 17.
1954 Barbeito Malvasia: Unremarkable. 15.
1954 Blandy Bual:
1954 Leacock Terrantez: Intense orange, cantlope/ honeydew nose. Sweet, burned sugar taste. Very high acid. 15. $125. 5/1/99
1955 Barbeito Moscatel: Medium brown. Nutty and slight muscat nose. Medium sweet. No depth or complexity. Short finish. Marginal acidity. 14.5. $110. 6/12/99
1957 D=Oliveira Old Wine (Tinta Negra Mole): Medium brown. Medium bodied, sweet, mostly caramel flavor without great depth. Clean finish. Enough acidity. 16. $80. 6/12/99
1964 Blandy Malmsey: Reddish brown. Big dried fruit nose. Very sweet, moderate complexity. Nice finish with enough acid. 16.5.
1968 D=Oliveira Bual: Big wine, but quite closed. Perhaps 16.
1971 Blandy Bual. Rich toffee and coffee nose. Moderate depth. 17-.
1971 Miles Malmsey: Good, sweet wine with good acidity. Medium length finish. 15.5
1978 Barbeito Sercial: Light caramel and toffee nose and flavor; good acid. 16. 1/05, 2/06.
Blandy Reserve Malmsey.
Broadbent Terrantez Old Reserve: Dull. 13.
Christopher=s Rare Old Verdelho: Pleasant. 14.
Cossart No. 26.
Cossart Gordon Malmsey 15 Years.
Leacock Sercial 10 Years.
Leacock Verdelho 10 Years.
Rare Wine Company Bual. Toffe, nuts and some complexity. 16.
Rare Wine Company Malmsey. Hazelnuts, toffee, perfect acidity, moderate length. 17+.
Rare Wine Company Sercial. Alcoholic nose. Simple, dull and short. 14.