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March 28, 2006
Two Very Old Wines
I recently had a chance to taste two old madeiras. An amazing experience, really. It's interesting to taste wines this old and to realize that they aren't on their last legs... not even close.
1834 Barbeito Madeira Malvazia - Portugal, Madeira (2/9/2006)
Available by the glass at Bacar in San Francisco. Good nose of caramel, molasses, and toffee but not as full and enveloping as the 1863 Boal. The nose carries right on to the palate where there are intense flavors of brown sugar, molasses, and toffee balanced with a bracing sour acidity that makes the wine seem much less sweet than it really is. The most remarkable characteristic about this wine is how it coats the inside of your mouth. You find yourself wiping off your gums with your tounge and and still tasting the wine a minute or two after your sip! Now, THAT is a finish. (94 pts.)
1863 Barbeito Madeira Boal - Portugal, Madeira (12/28/2005)
Tremendous nose of caramel, toffee and brown sugar that enveloped the table and was obvious two feet away. Clear brown color. Smooth palate, medium-full body with a marked tartness like a granny smith apple. Very smooth and a long finish. (92pts.)
Posted by Paul at March 28, 2006 06:10 PM | Wine Tasting