D'Oliveiras
Reserva Madeira Sercial
Madeira, Portugal
The opportunity to enjoy a small glass of this came rather unexpectedly yesterday afternoon and I’m still trying to wrap my head around the experience. I was looking over a collection of wines that needed a new home and a friend of mine who was the collection’s custodian, mentioned that he had something he had been meaning to share with me and without any fanfare, he walks back into the room with two small glasses and this ancient bottle. I hardly had any time to react before he poured me a small glass....as I looked three times to confirm that I was, in fact, drinking from a pre-war bottle of Madeira. The nose was stunning. A massive wave of confected fruit like candied citron. You know those beautiful syrup glazed orange (and other fruit) slices you’ll often see in European chocolate shops? Yeah...it smelled like that. Just a touch of VA. On the palate, this was totally mind bending. It’s almost all hazelnuts; remarkably dry; and there is pronounced acidity. The finish lasted for minutes. I can categorically state that this wine is very much alive and well but it’s a nerd’s wine as it’s super rustic and best served as an aperitif.
The opportunity to enjoy a small glass of this came rather unexpectedly yesterday afternoon and I’m still trying to wrap my head around the experience. I was looking over a collection of wines that needed a new home and a friend of mine who was the collection’s custodian, mentioned that he had something he had been meaning to share with me and without any fanfare, he walks back into the room with two small glasses and this ancient bottle. I hardly had any time to react before he poured me a small glass....as I looked three times to confirm that I was, in fact, drinking from a pre-war bottle of Madeira. The nose was stunning. A massive wave of confected fruit like candied citron. You know those beautiful syrup glazed orange (and other fruit) slices you’ll often see in European chocolate shops? Yeah...it smelled like that. Just a touch of VA. On the palate, this was totally mind bending. It’s almost all hazelnuts; remarkably dry; and there is pronounced acidity. The finish lasted for minutes. I can categorically state that this wine is very much alive and well but it’s a nerd’s wine as it’s super rustic and best served as an aperitif.
Oct 25th, 2019
Possible for a Madeira to be too acidic?
Possible for a Madeira to be too acidic?
Jun 3rd, 2015
Hands down winner from today's #Elevenses @Christie's Wine. Bottled in the 70s, recorked in 2011. Sercial, so you know the acidity is in full effect, but the wine is really harmonious and balanced. It's not as "offbeat" as some other older Madeiras I've had, and honestly would be straightforward to pair with food...roast chicken, for one.
Hands down winner from today's #Elevenses @Christie's Wine. Bottled in the 70s, recorked in 2011. Sercial, so you know the acidity is in full effect, but the wine is really harmonious and balanced. It's not as "offbeat" as some other older Madeiras I've had, and honestly would be straightforward to pair with food...roast chicken, for one.
Jun 1st, 2015
Oh mama. Saline caramel crushed nuts and burnt citrusy oils. Fantastic.
Oh mama. Saline caramel crushed nuts and burnt citrusy oils. Fantastic.
May 3rd, 2015
At 76 this is just now coming of age -and it likes the same resinous Latakia tobacco I do...
At 76 this is just now coming of age -and it likes the same resinous Latakia tobacco I do...
Dec 31st, 2013
This doesn't even taste of wine. It's, like, a whole other beverage. Sour, acidic, rich. Surprisingly little nuttiness. But what an experience.
This doesn't even taste of wine. It's, like, a whole other beverage. Sour, acidic, rich. Surprisingly little nuttiness. But what an experience.
Jun 3rd, 2015