What is your all time greatest Madeira?

[Marco D.]

For me, I remember a tasting held in New York City in 1999. The last wine poured was the 1802 Acciaioly Terrantez. To this day, no other Madeira has eclipsed that wine (although many came close). Here were my notes:

Dark, opaque coffee color. Biggest nose of the tasting. Another super-rich wine. They seem to be putting all the big guns at the end of the tasting. Almost too intense to smell. Truckloads of rich “brown” flavors… nutmeg, chocolate, coffee, caramel, truffles, sherry, etc. A wine so unctuous, that it’s almost hard to swallow it all. After several minutes, I would slide my tongue between my gums and lips -- and I could still taste the wine. A totally shocking wine experience. A WOW wine if there ever was one.

What would be your most memorable Madeira?

[Roy Hersh]

I can tell you that both the owner of Rare Wine Company and your humble scribe and website moderator agree with you 100%. It was my all-time favorite Madeira bar none.

[Richard Henderson]

I have tried several 19th century bottles and the 1863 Bual of Blandy was one of the best, but my all time favorite is 1934 Blandy's Bual. It was a 100 point wine. Rich caramel, brown sugar notes. Infinite bouquet. A little like rich pralines /divinity candy. Unending finish. I think I opened it circa Christmas 1989. It was still good in liqeuer cups from a dinner party where we opened it. SOme of the guests did not appreciate it . I have one bottle left.

[Reidar Andersen]

Shared 1. st. position:

1827 Boal Serrado and D'Oliveiras 1900 Moscatel . Both tremendous.

Reidar

[Roy Hersh]

I love the 1827 Serrado and have only been fortunate to try it twice. I am hoping that I come across that beauty at least once more in my life.

[Marco D.]

The 1927 Serrado is right up there on my list as well. I have been fortunate enough to taste it twice. The first time it was "good" (not much decanting). The second time it was "PHENOMINAL" (3 days of decanting). Ever since that experience I have tended to decant my Madeiras at least 2 days in advance.

If we can get a Madeira tasting going when you come out to the East coast, I'll make a point to open another bottle.

[Reidar Andersen]

Well, I am often in the US, already three times this year, next California in Sept, I will remember this.

[Eric Ifune]

Reidar,
I may be around that time. If so, I'd be happy to open a bottle or two with you!

[Reidar Andersen]

Eric!

Will be in Vegas around Sept. 16-20 th ?? Most probably........

Reidar

[Gary Banker]

My all-time favorite is 1954 Leacock Terrantez. It was a little sweeter than I had expected. I had it about 7-8 years ago.

1920 Blandy Bual was a close second.

Gary