Being a big fan of Alvarinho I was most excited finding a 2002 Dorado in Funchal, retailing at around EUR 11! Quinta do Feital with Marcial Dorado, a Spanyard that realised he had to step across the border in order to find the best Alvarinho's, is my favourite producer in Moncao/Melgaco. Yes, Soalheiro is close and Anselmo Mendes as well, but the Feital style is simply divine!
The 2002 Dorado was served with the local Espada fish, Black Scabbard. With its yellow, almost golden colour, the 2002 Dorado resembled a sweet wine but on the nose it got me thinking of a mature high class Riesling - even if the style of Alvarinho still is unique. Green apples, wet flint, a light floral scent, white peaches, lemon peel and a nuanced hint of thyme and fennel.
Truly wonderful, racy acidity with notes of apples, wet rocks and just a slight touch of honey. It's refreshing as few and with a long balanced finish. Still fruity so no hurry to drink this beauty. I want more mature Alvarinho!
Rated a 92 p.
Best,
Niklas - from a stormy and rainy Funchal.
Mature Alvarinho
Moderators: Glenn E., Roy Hersh, Andy Velebil
Mature Alvarinho
Niklas Jorgensen
Remember this in 25 years or so; 2012 is a great year for Madeira wine!
Remember this in 25 years or so; 2012 is a great year for Madeira wine!