1836 Harvey's Bual Solera

[Bob Stern]

I recently came across this Madeira...typical Harvey's label which also states it was bottled in 1960. Auction records in the 2nd edition of 'Madeira, The Island Vineyard" only document Harvey's "R.S. Solera" and varietals noted for 1836 on the Madeira Wine Guide include all EXCEPT Bual. Does anyone have any info or thoughts?

Bob S

[Roy Hersh]

Hi Bob,

First of all, thanks for joining us here and congrats on the mystery bottle. I have no idea about your bottling, as I've not had that one and the only two Madeiras I've had from that year are the Lomelino Bastardo and the Oscar Acciaioly Malmsey. Sorry I can't be more help.

But if you want to know what to do, my suggestion is to find a special occasion, (like: "tonight is Saturday) and pop it open and explore what nectar awaits you. Given that it is not only an old Madeira but a fifty+ year old bottling, I would strongly urge you to decant this for a minimum of 48 hours and likely 3-5 days for it to show its best.

Please let us know anything you do find out and/or if you open the bottle, come back and describe the wine itself. That would be much appreciated. I hope that Peter or Raeder or someone with lots of Madeira experience will come by and tell you exactly what this is.