For The Love Of Port

This is not the first time I have had this wine. In fact, it has been one that I have had on a handful of occasions and it NEVER has disappointed me. I love this wine and would highly recommend it, as it shows near perfection in terms of overall symmetry.

Rich yet graceful notes of dates, butterscotch and mocha swirled from the glass to my probascis in waves of pleasure, along with the requisite VA that I love in Madeira. Once in the mouth, this provided a harmonious and elegant wine with bright acidity and an extremely velvety mouth feel that is everything I look for in a superb aged VM. Although drier than many Buals, this mouth coating example delivered pralines and toffee flavors with a hint of mandaring orange citrus that gave further complexity on the rich and never ending aftertaste. It pained me to realize this was my last bottle of this beauty. 95 points (3/8/06)

Roy, I must check the Madeira section more often.
You will recall my posting on a thread that began on October 27, 2005 on this wine. I had a similar experience.
I am very happy to say that I have 2 bottles left of this and a bottle of the Blandy's Bual of the same year, 1863.
I opened a bottle of the Blandy's Bual 4 years ago ( the occasion of my father's funeral) and it was stellar as well.
Maybe we could do a horizontal of these two wines some day.

It is amazing that from such an important historical year in terms of Lincoln and the Civil War, here in the USA ... how many 1863s I have had. I can think of 3 Ports and 2 Madeiras I have enjoyed from this year. In fact, I don't think I have had more than 3 wines from any other year in the 19th century. The weather in Portugal must have been stunning in that year.

Wonderful notes Roy.It was a great year!I also have had this VM many times,but it has never disappointed.
Sorry to hear it's your last bottle.....we've got to get together sometime and..........I'll bring mine.