For The Love Of Port

2009 Port Gala
Friday, January 30th, Madeira tasting
Flight 3: 1908 D'Oliveiras Boal, 1900 D'Oliveiras Moscatel

1900 D'Oliveiras Moscatel

Darkest in the glass of the 7 Madeiras at the tasting.

Somewhat disappointing flavor, because it's not at all what I'd call "sweet." If feels sweet, but doesn't register as sweet in my mouth.

Competent - but not exciting.

The overriding sensation (for me) was of grapes and raisins. Sweet without the complexity that is a hallmark of aged Madeiras.

Good acidity but dominated by lime flavours without any sign of the other citrus notes I find in the 'noble' grapes.
Reminded me most of PX sherries.

I've had this several times and never found it exciting. But I'm not convinced it's the grape itself as the same grape is in the Setubal 'Torna Viagem' that I was much more impressed with (others aren't!). Is this heresy to prefer a non-Madeira to a Madeira? But that's a different topic.

This was one of my favorites of the madeiras at the FTLOP gathering. I thought it had a pleasant must aroma and was jammy sweet, with perhaps a hint of currant. But what do I know?

I have had my share of Moscatel from Madeira, but must say ... VERY FEW have been exciting.

I find much greater pleasure from the Moscatels from Setubal than Madeira ... sticking to Portuguese in all fairness to other places that also make great Moscatel. I also like some of the Douro versions of dry and sweet Moscatel. Possibly the best I have had comes from Quinta do Portal.

Quite sweet, toffee, spirity - got some extra marks for notable length but not especially striking stuff - 89 pts