For The Love Of Port

Has anyone heard of JBF? Supposed to be the initials of a John B Fernandes, recently bottled from cask. There is a 1900 Boal and Verdelho. Seen in a Lisbon shop. No selos.

Interesting, will drop into Garrafeira in 4 weeks. Last time was 13 years ago when I bought two 1795 CVM Terrantez for 810 EUR each ( plus VAT refund )....

Ive heard of JBF hair, but not JBF madeira.

Found out from Francisco Albuquerque, winemaker at the Madeira Wine Company (of course he would know!).
Apparently John B. Fernandes was a grower in Funchal who's decendents emigrated the to States. The wine, in demijohns, was given to a lawyer for some services preformed. The lawyer knew Francisco and asked his opinion. Francisco said to bottle to preserve the quality, some of the demijohns had only a few liters left, and he did so for the lawyer last year. A few of the bottles found their way to Garrafeira National.

A fine story and amazing coincidence about Francisco. Great visit too!

I ended up purchasing a bottle of the Verdelho. The Boal was good, the Verdelho superb in a rich style. It rivals the D'Oliverias 1900 Verdelho.
Apparently the vinyards were close to where the Funchal Botanical gardens are today. The wines in cask until 40-50 years ago when they were placed in demijohns.

Hey Eric,

I was in Lisbon last month and picked up a bottle of the Verdelho as well. Can't wait to try it...

I think you'll enjoy it. It's definitely in the rich, concentrated style, akin to D'Oliverias.
I've heard there is a 1900 Sercial out there as well. Hope to try that one someday.