What Madeira Have You Opened This Week?

[Eric Ifune]

Barbeito 1920 Malvasia

[Marco D.]

Barbeito 1920 Malvasia

I don't recall ever seeing this... how was it?

[Marco D.]

H+H Tinta Negra Mole 50 year. Stunning stuff...

[Gary Banker]

1954 H&H Malmsey - Bottled in 1987 (front label) or October 1986 (back label).

This is not overly sweet. The finish is short and I hope it will evolve with some air time.

[Eric Ifune]

I don't recall ever seeing this... how was it?

It's the Favilla Vieira. Great upon opening. Giving it some air and will try again tonight.

[Mike K.]

1977 D'Oliveiras Sercial

Nice dance of acidity and caramel on the palate.

Starts out acid and rolls into caramel chocolate goodness.

[Gary Banker]

1966 D'Oliveira's verdelho (bottled in 2014)
1968 D'Oliveira's boal (bottled in 2013)

[Eric Ifune]

For Madeira Wine Day on July 1, 1986 Faja dos Padres Malvasia by Barbeito.

[Joe Dachille]

Eric,
How did you find the '86 FdP. I have one stashed.

Gary,
I also have the '68 stashed. Your thoughts on it.

When we were in Madeira in 2016 for the Fortification Tour, we bought a 1978 D'Olivera's Boal (among others, many of which are consumed). We were married in 1978, so we will be opening it VERY SOON (August 12). Can't wait.

I should get more active on FTLOP. Nice to be back.

Joe D'Achille

[Eric Ifune]

The 1986 Faja dos Padres Malvasia is excellent! I've had it several times before and thought it good but not necessarily superlative. This outing was fantastic however. Far and away the best showing I've had. Maybe it just needed some time in bottle to settle down.

[Eric Ifune]

Borges 1977 Boal.

[Justin A]

Borges 1977 Boal.

I drank this at the winery a few years ago. Thought it a bit dull and boring. Especially alongside the 1979 Sercial and really the rest of their older blends. How was yours?

[Joe Dachille]

1978 D'Oliveras Bual

As I mentioned before, we had bought this on the Fortification Tour a couple of years ago with the intention of opening it on our 40th wedding anniversary (August 12, 1978). We were traveling to NYC for a show and there was no way I was going to get a flask of this though TSA in a carry-on. So, I mailed a flask to myself at the hotel and it was there for me on arrival.

I brought enough for four pours...two on Saturday and two on Sunday the 12th. It was special, not that I made tasting notes or anything. 3 of 5 is the best I can do for a description. Great nose and perfect acidity for me.

So, the bottle went back in to the wine cabinet for next year and a few thereafter.

Joe D'Achille

[Eric Ifune]

I really like the Borges 77 Boal. That said, it's not a patch on the 79 Sercial which is a great wine IMHO. The 90 Sercial is very good as well.

[Bob Stern]

Agree that the 1977 Borges Bual was not expressive two to three years ago, but now it is a different wine. Jancis Robinson recently raised her rating, as well...to 18.5! Also agree that the 1990 Sercial is a worthy little brother to the 1979.

[Moses Botbol]

RWC Boston Bual. Saw a deal & some picked some.

[Jim S.]

1948 Barbeito Malvasia

[Jim S.]

My previous post was incorrect-
The stenciling reads 1948 Barbeito Malvazia.

[Gary Banker]

NV Barbeito Reserve Terrantez
NV Barbeito 30-year Malvasia (bottled in 2006)
1971 D'Oliveira's Terrantez (bottled in 2013)
1927 D'Oliveira's Bastardo (bottled in 2011)

[Eric Ifune]

1933 Justino's Malmsey.
Perhaps the best showing, for me, of this wine. I've had it over a dozen times before. An old bottling I've had for at least 20 years. Old IVM selo and lots of sediment in the bottle. Waxed over Tee top. The time in bottle shows, it being more delicate, refined, and more definition in the flavors than more recent examples I've had.