July 16, 2022 - A nice experience with the 1908 d'Oliveiras Boal, showing golden raisin, darjeeling tea, and a touch of cinnamon. Medium-rich molasses, inflected palate.
October 15, 2021 - To be honest, I was a bit disappointed - was hoping for so much for given its age. Still, it's pretty good with a long and bitter finish.
November 25, 2020 - Small taste: Fun to try, but nothing special and not worth seeking out.
April 6, 2019 - A Day Trip to Healdsburg (Single Thread ***): The real value is the piece of history. This tastes like above average Madeira but is mind blowing because it's over 100 years old. Don't buy thinking it will change your life... go with something from the 60s.
March 30, 2019 - Almost dry at this point; the balance is better than expected. 92
November 19, 2016 - To celebrate the Cubs World Series win, this first since 1908. This stuff was as great as I could have hoped. Looks and pours like motor oil. Walnuts, molasses, orange rind, and cinnamon spice. Rich and oily with lip smacking acidity. A little goes a long way. Impressive.
November 6, 2016 - Small glass, brief note. Fig and toasted nuts with moderate sweetness, moderate concentration. Very persistent and fun wine to honor the Cubs. Thanks, Ken!
February 4, 2016 - Madeira Pilgrimage; 2/1/2016-2/4/2016 (Madeira): I really wanted to freak out about this wine. I mean, I like it a lot, but it's quite austere. Very sharp aromas, some caramel and nuts rise above the volatile acidity. Rich and dense on the palate, it tastes very roasted and baked, like coffee cake, baked figs and hot caramel. The volatile acidity is quite sharp. Interesting stuff, but (for my palate) this isn't a sip-a-whole-glass kind of Madeira.