TN: 1850 D'Oliveira Verdelho
Posted: Fri Jun 18, 2010 8:21 pm
Returning from 7 months away from home, I decided to celebrate so I opened one of my precious 1850 D'Oliveira Verdelhos. My favorite Verdelho of all time; and in a way, an attempt to connect with the participants in this year's Fortification Tour. I believe you all had this at D'Oliveira.
I got this bottle a couple of years ago. No bottling date, but it appears a recent bottling.
Tasted upon opening. Very dark soy sauce core, fading to an electric lime-green rim. A cournicopia of aromas, limes, tangerines, toasted walnuts, butter toffee. No bottle stink. On the palate, sweeter and richer than I remembered; almost Boal-like. Seems open and not closed. Long, rich finish.
After 12 hours in the decanter, still the fabulous aromas, perhaps a touch of VA now; but on the palate, the acidity is starting to open up. Now definitely Verdelho-like. Lemons and limes on the palate.
After 24 hours, now we're talking! This is beginning to taste like the fabulous wine I remember. The aromas are there, but now, more distinct. The palate is pure Verdelho in weight and sweetness. More citrus and toffee. The balance is improving. Now with highish acidity. Long, long finish. I kept the empty glass for over an hour, just nosing it.
After 48 hours; Oh my! This is just stupendous! Same dark core with electric green rim. One of the most complex noses I can rememeber. Limes, lemons, grapefruit, toasted almonds and walnuts, dried apricots, toffee and caramel. Each aroma distinct, coming in waves. Beautiful balance with lots of acidic tension. The palate is almost ethreal. One of those rare wines which show extreme concentration and depth, but still elegant and filigreed. True Verdelho weight and sweetness. Rich, toffee and citrus fruits on the palate. Unreal finish. A wine to sit with and let unfold before you. It demands your attention but doesn't shout. This is why I love Madeira so much.
I got this bottle a couple of years ago. No bottling date, but it appears a recent bottling.
Tasted upon opening. Very dark soy sauce core, fading to an electric lime-green rim. A cournicopia of aromas, limes, tangerines, toasted walnuts, butter toffee. No bottle stink. On the palate, sweeter and richer than I remembered; almost Boal-like. Seems open and not closed. Long, rich finish.
After 12 hours in the decanter, still the fabulous aromas, perhaps a touch of VA now; but on the palate, the acidity is starting to open up. Now definitely Verdelho-like. Lemons and limes on the palate.
After 24 hours, now we're talking! This is beginning to taste like the fabulous wine I remember. The aromas are there, but now, more distinct. The palate is pure Verdelho in weight and sweetness. More citrus and toffee. The balance is improving. Now with highish acidity. Long, long finish. I kept the empty glass for over an hour, just nosing it.
After 48 hours; Oh my! This is just stupendous! Same dark core with electric green rim. One of the most complex noses I can rememeber. Limes, lemons, grapefruit, toasted almonds and walnuts, dried apricots, toffee and caramel. Each aroma distinct, coming in waves. Beautiful balance with lots of acidic tension. The palate is almost ethreal. One of those rare wines which show extreme concentration and depth, but still elegant and filigreed. True Verdelho weight and sweetness. Rich, toffee and citrus fruits on the palate. Unreal finish. A wine to sit with and let unfold before you. It demands your attention but doesn't shout. This is why I love Madeira so much.
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