Dec. 2015: What is your favorite Madeira tasted this year?

[Roy Hersh]

We used to do this every year, ask participants to elaborate on which was the best Madeira they tasted during this year. We began by asking for the single best bottle you've tried. There is nothing wrong if you are new, to say: "Loved the Blandy's 10 year old Malmsey". We do not want anyone to be intimidated when some of the old timers or people with mature cellars, include crazy old bottles of amazing Madeiras. Everyone is welcome to contribute what they enjoyed most so far. Of course there are a few weeks left in the year. But have no fear, this will remain at the top of the page for the balance of this month, at the very least.

Also know that some people like to break out categories of Madeira by grape or age and put their favorites from each category. Sometimes one, or sometimes their top few from each category. No rules this year, just have at it and have fun. Please do mention your faves though!

[Eric Ifune]

Gotta be that Blandy's 1836 Faja dos Padres Malvasia from the Majesty of Malvasia tasting. Head and shoulders above a very excellent group.

[Alan Gardner]

1865 Old Verdelho Solera - Lomelino.
Perfectly exhibited how soleras can sometimes be fresher and more vibrant than the equivalent vintage wine.

[Gary Banker]

1957 H&H boal. Very nice, rich boal.

[Glenn E.]

1964 Blandy's Malmsey. I don't drink much (any) Madeira, but this was a really nice one.

[Justin A]

I agree with Eric. That Fdp broadened my horizon on what madeira wine can be.

[Daniel Fraley]

In order:
1901 D'Oliveira Malvasia
H&H Inauguration
Barbeito 40y

[Roy Hersh]

Eric & Justin,

I just came here to post my favorite and it was the same wine, but it was the 1839 (not '36 which was the Acciaioly).

My article was submitted to The World of Fine Wine a few days ago, so it had all of my TNs and the story of that tasting in there. You will see it right after Christmas!

[Justin A]

I also remember being absolutely giddy over a 1917 Barbeito Sercial.

[Marco D.]

I think, for me, it was the 1880 Barbeito Malvasia MMV. It's scary to think that others who tried it with me that day said it showed better when they tried it on the island.

[Steve Shapiro]

It was a toss-up between 1907 Blandy's Bual and 1934 Leacock Bual. Each was clearly better than the 1927 Quinta do Serrado Boal served simultaneously at two separate tastings. The 1907 Blandy Bual was excellent 20+ years ago, but has continued to develop depth and complexity with time in the bottle. This is my first experience with the 1934 Leacock, but will share it again sometime soon with a group.

Steve Shapiro

[Goncalo Martins]

1850 D'Oliveira's Verdelho
1880 D'Oliveira's Terrantez
1910 D'Oliveira's Sercial
1854 Verdelho unknown producer

[David Spriggs]

I think, for me, it was the 1880 Barbeito Malvasia MMV. It's scary to think that others who tried it with me that day said it showed better when they tried it on the island.

When I tried it on the island it *was* better. It's the only wine I've ever given 100 points.

[Marc R]

'15 wasn't a big year for trying many particularly old Madeiras for me. So, my highlight was more of a middle-Ager.. I finally tried the '68 D'Oliveirea bual. Boy, was that a delicious wine. (Also, really enjoyed the 1905 verdelho).

[Goncalo Martins]

I must add the 1975 Blandy Terrantez. I am curious to see how this monster wine develops over the next days and weeks.

I wish a 2016 plenty of good Madeiras to everyone on this Forum!

[V P Poikolainen]

1880 ABSL Bual

[Roy Hersh]

David wrote:

When I tried it on the island it *was* better. It's the only wine I've ever given 100 points.

Not any of the 3 casks from Krohn?