For The Love Of Port

Hello,

I just tried the Broadbent Malmsey 10 years, which I enjoyed, but so far Madeira comes in after Vintage Port, and Tawny Port, in terms of my preference of wine style.

I am enamoured of the history and uniqueness of how madeira is made, so I want to pursue it further. The question for you more experienced types is this: What do you recommend that I try next? I am willing to spend a couple of hundred dollars for a bottle that I could be reasonably certain would show Madeira at or nearly at its best.

A continued thanks to all the help I am finding here.

Steve Harrison

The few I would suggest, which are at different price points are:

1968 D'Oliveira Bual - which I have touted since the late-1990s which for about $100 or so is a great bottle and shows nuances that would fool most into thinking this is MUCH older.

Going a bit drier and at still a very reasonable price, you can try the 1937 D'Oliveira Sercial for $189 which will go up by about $50 or so next year when it becomes a birth year wine for folks to celebrate 70th birthdays. Very nice and exceptionally dry juice.

The 1912 D'Oliveira Verdelho - is a significant step up at $285 but if you want to see what all the fuss is about then this will sate your palate and curiosity. One of my favorite post-Phylloxera Verdelhos.

Slightly sweeter and a delicious reasonably priced bottle is the 1922 Bual by D'Olly as well, and for $250 is a hell of a deal, but I'd rather go up and splurge on the 1903 for just under $400 which is a hell of a bottle of Bual.

All of these are offered currently by Rare Wine Company ... 800 999-4342.

Within the next week, I will be posting one of the more incredible collections of Madeiras on this website that will be for sale from the UK. Keep your eyes peeled if you are in the market!

Roy