Last bottle and sort of sits between the previous two. This is sweet and a touch flabby with cola, raisin and wood polish elements. There is some finishing zip (which it needs badly) but not enough to truly balance the palate. I much prefer medium sweet or drier styles of Madeira but enjoy sweet versions with more complexity and grip. (89)
I’m not a Madeira expert. That said, this does not provide the same level of excitement that others I have tried have. Sweet, and a bit overbearing. Lacks the balancing structure of better examples. Lots of raisins, cola, dates and caramel. Medium/light intensity for the genre. Good Only. (87)
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Monster dessert wine. This is syrupy sweet with notes of caramelized sugar, dates, and just enough of a hint of chocolate to handle brownie cheesecake. But still lean enough to cut through the richness of the dessert. I suspect that this needs to be served in the context of dessert, otherwise, it might be exceedingly cloying.
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Deep caramel color. Brown sugar, molasses, dried dark fruit. Decadently sweet, with candied citrus and brown sugar on the palate. Adequate acidity balances out the sweetness.
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Been opened for 3 days, definitely has benefitted from this time. Flavors much more prominent/recognizable than first day. Raisins, fig, butterscotch, orange peel. Lengthy caramel and toffee finish. Fairly syrupy texture, medium acidity.
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This bottle has been open for a few weeks I think - maybe a bit more. I find it really opens up and puts on weight in the glass. Deep and dark nose of rancio, nuts, a little caramel, some spices. It's got a nice acid/sweetness balance on the palate with more rancio, nuts, caramel and a bit of citrus and citrus peel. It's not the most complex or subtle Madeira - but it has good power, balance and decent depth. One of the better young Madeiras I have had. Nose - 5/6, Palate - 5/6, Finish - 5/6, Je ne Sais Quoi - 1/2 = 16/20.
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This has turned out to be quite good. A bit heavy and muted when first opened. Now, two weeks later, it has formed into shape nicely. Deep amber / cola colored. The nose has fresh figs, dates,pie spice and vanilla. Still fresh and youthful. The palate is so much more precise and balanced compared to a week ago. Medium+ sweet but no longer heavy. Very enjoyable and has a long life ahead. (92+)
Just took a sip so not a lot of detailed notes. This is still quite young, but more drinkable than the one from the 1920s we had a few weeks ago. There's a touch of the sharp alc, but then also some more smooth and nutty tones and a bit of raisin and kindof easy to drink.
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Deep walnut color. Rich flavors of date, fig, maple syrup, and christmas spice. Not at all cloyingly sweet. The wine has a very pronounced acidity. This has at least another 15 years ahead of it. Excellent value for the price.
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J & K Anniversary Wine Night (Lyon Again): This bottle had been open for about a week and it's getting better! There's an open nose of caramel, dried fruits (fig, date, raisin, etc...), dried orange rind, and roasted nuts. Lively acidity and moderate sweetness make it dance on your palate; is that a rumba or tango? Drink now - until you're dead.
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Weekend of food and wine; 4/13/2017-4/16/2017 (Las Vegas): Score is mostly a reference point for me since I have very limited Madeira experience. Very nutty and caramel nose, reminded me of an oloroso sherry (But similarity ends there). Palate had a nice sweetness balanced by very good acidity. Nice weight and nice end to the evening.
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Broadbent - Madeira, Port, and English Bubbles (One Market, SF): grape: Tinta Negra Medium plus amber in the glass. There’s a really interesting development - reminds me of mashed red fruits, flor, carrot, candied cherry. Aromatics are a bit reticent - dried almond skin. There’s a tannic grip on the palate. More intense overall than the Malmsey. Medium sweet. Long finish.
So good!
19% alc 121.4 g/L RS (similar to the Malmsey 10y) 5.6 g/L (similar to the Malmsey 10y) pH 3.33 (lower than the Malmsey, similar to the Sercial and Boal)
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Dessert wine selected for dinner at Chef & the Farmer in Kinston NC, me and Mrs. Knurd on an extended date night. Bought the bottle and had the Somm pour us a few glasses since it wasn't offered on the menu. I can't begin to describe in words the ethereal connection between this Madeira and the chocolate chess pie with caramel and crushed pretzel glaze other than it was worth it to buy the entire bottle for just a single glass with that pie. Surprised at the freshness of the fruit on the nose- freshly cut dates where I was expecting more dried / raisiny fruits. Caramel, roasted nuts, some figs, hints of orange peel, woody notes, and molasses all factor in there as well. Poured the remainder into a decanter when I got home, will enjoy over the next few weeks. Very much delivers even at the $66 price tag. Solid A (95) evaluation.
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Sad day--my last bottle, and it's not easy to replace vintage Madeira at this price. Perfectly aged and excellent now: dark chocolate covered orange rinds, English toffee, coffee and dried apricots.
Madeira Wine Institute Tasting (Washington, DC): Dark caramel colored. A bit compact aromatically but swirling coaxes out dried mango, candied orange peel, caramel and bitter chocolate. Unctuous on the palate with gorgeous depth, moderately sweet but still refreshing. I get dried mango, bruised apple, dates, caramel, olive oil and a note that reminds me of sweet pepper jam. Crazy complex and full of life.
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Exciting to discover an affordable, aged Madeira that beats a generic 10 yr all to heck but doesn't cost like a true antique. Caramel, apricot, dates, meyer lemon, and grapefruit pick up notes of toffee and dark chocolate in the kind of long finish you expect to wake up tasting the next morning. Mellow and tangy, lightly viscuous, from 100% tinta negra.
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Portugal Tasting (Private Residence (Miami, FL)): In terms of color and palate it sits between an Oloroso and an Amontillado, except that it contains a higher dose of oak and resin and sharper orange peel acidity. Toasted brown color with glass coating tears. Bouquet of orange peel, almonds, honeycomb, and saltwater (reminiscent of speyside single malts). Entry is vibrant yet in harmony concerning the "just enough" level of sugar obtained in the blend. The finish is dry and oaky.
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Reminds me of those giant metal vats of buttery caramel popcorn with nuts, but there's a sherry-like (I'm thinking Valdespino Palo Cortado) acid and noble soft roundness on the nutty, drying finish. Some model glue aroma detracts from the magic. I guess I was hoping to approach about 60% of the magic of the undated Terrantez, but nah. Maybe 20%. Still quite nice though--on the palate it builds to a quince and fig paste aroma on top of salted, fried marcona almonds; slightly hot on finish, but good for the price I suppose. It's the glue that pisses on the parade a touch. Day 2 it mellows significantly -- much better. I'd advise opening then reclosing, and approaching day 2.
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A very fine colheita. Lots of nutty caramel fig and orange peel flavors, burnt sugar and a hint of molasses. Interesting layers to the viscous mouthfeel. What I really like about this colheita is the liveliness that complements the richness. Quite fresh and lively on the palate.
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In terms of color and palate it sits between an Oloroso and an Amontillado, except that it contains a higher dose of oak and resin and sharper orange peel acidity. Toasted brown color with glass coating tears. Bouquet of orange peel, almonds, honeycomb, and saltwater (reminiscent of speyside single malts). Entry is vivrant yet in harmony concerning the "just enough" level of sugar obtained in the blend. The finish is dry and oaky. My first experience with Madeira and I'm impressed thus far. This bottle is in great shape to drink now or to put away for another...100yrs?
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crowd pleasure in tasting of 7 madieras including Historic series Charleston, Savannah, Boston and '88 Terrantez , almond and honey with carmel flavors
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19 pabv. $45/750 ml; Arrow Wines, Centerville, OH. Broadbent Selections, San Francisco, CA, Importer. 'Aged in Oak until Maturity'.
T-cork closure. Green-pink tawny hue.
Takes a moment for an odd bottle funk to blow off. Sweet, smoky-stony with hint of roast walnut and caramelized fruit.
Beautiful juicy soaring acidity; nice energetic liquid texture, approximately Verdelho-level sweetness, with a veal consomme-like finish. More development expected in the next few weeks after opening.
Drink now through lifetime of cork, estimated 25 years (2037). Worth the tariff, especially given the way Madeira can be enjoyed long after opening.
(92 pts.)
Second day: Worcestershire sauce, cold fruit soup, floral, over previously-noted caramel notes with excellent sweet-acid balance. Fresh-apple finish. Dry enough for table use and appetizing enough for sipping on its own.
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Distributor Tastings (CV): Broadbent (CV): Colheita = "Harvest" in Portuguese. Similar concept for Portuguese. Frasquera is equivalent of vintage. But this is aged for less - 9 years. Similar to LBV in Port.
Orange peel, spice, dark, dried oranges. Great acid. good sweetness. Reminds me of the 120 minutes IPA dogfish head. Good stuff.
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'pungent', salty, resin and orange peel. This is a cool wine with loads of saline/salty goodness. Not too sweet with a lot of complexity and character.
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Broadbent Wines (LIWSF, London): Very pleasant nose: almost figgy and citrussy. Very good palate, with some spirit showing on the finish. Very Good/Very Good Indeed.
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9/30/2023 - dbkitc wrote: 89 Points
Last bottle and sort of sits between the previous two. This is sweet and a touch flabby with cola, raisin and wood polish elements. There is some finishing zip (which it needs badly) but not enough to truly balance the palate. I much prefer medium sweet or drier styles of Madeira but enjoy sweet versions with more complexity and grip. (89)
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12/28/2021 - dbkitc wrote: 87 Points
I’m not a Madeira expert. That said, this does not provide the same level of excitement that others I have tried have. Sweet, and a bit overbearing. Lacks the balancing structure of better examples. Lots of raisins, cola, dates and caramel. Medium/light intensity for the genre. Good Only. (87)
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12/20/2021 - malbrecht wrote: 91 Points
Monster dessert wine. This is syrupy sweet with notes of caramelized sugar, dates, and just enough of a hint of chocolate to handle brownie cheesecake. But still lean enough to cut through the richness of the dessert. I suspect that this needs to be served in the context of dessert, otherwise, it might be exceedingly cloying.
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3/8/2021 - johnnylaw1222 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Deep caramel color. Brown sugar, molasses, dried dark fruit. Decadently sweet, with candied citrus and brown sugar on the palate. Adequate acidity balances out the sweetness.
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2/20/2021 - airbob04 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Been opened for 3 days, definitely has benefitted from this time. Flavors much more prominent/recognizable than first day. Raisins, fig, butterscotch, orange peel. Lengthy caramel and toffee finish. Fairly syrupy texture, medium acidity.
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12/26/2020 - Seth Rosenberg Likes this wine: 92 Points
This bottle has been open for a few weeks I think - maybe a bit more. I find it really opens up and puts on weight in the glass. Deep and dark nose of rancio, nuts, a little caramel, some spices. It's got a nice acid/sweetness balance on the palate with more rancio, nuts, caramel and a bit of citrus and citrus peel. It's not the most complex or subtle Madeira - but it has good power, balance and decent depth. One of the better young Madeiras I have had. Nose - 5/6, Palate - 5/6, Finish - 5/6, Je ne Sais Quoi - 1/2 = 16/20.
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12/5/2020 - dbkitc wrote: 92 Points
This has turned out to be quite good. A bit heavy and muted when first opened. Now, two weeks later, it has formed into shape nicely. Deep amber / cola colored. The nose has fresh figs, dates,pie spice and vanilla. Still fresh and youthful. The palate is so much more precise and balanced compared to a week ago. Medium+ sweet but no longer heavy. Very enjoyable and has a long life ahead. (92+)
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12/17/2018 - MC2 Wines Likes this wine:
Just took a sip so not a lot of detailed notes. This is still quite young, but more drinkable than the one from the 1920s we had a few weeks ago. There's a touch of the sharp alc, but then also some more smooth and nutty tones and a bit of raisin and kindof easy to drink.
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9/24/2018 - djarcara Likes this wine: 92 Points
Deep walnut color. Rich flavors of date, fig, maple syrup, and christmas spice. Not at all cloyingly sweet. The wine has a very pronounced acidity. This has at least another 15 years ahead of it. Excellent value for the price.
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3/31/2018 - Peter Kleban Likes this wine:
***
Medium/heavy weight, notes of brown sugar, raisins, dark plum jam. Long, smooth and fully integrated. Really a pleasure to drink.
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5/13/2017 - Grinner wrote: 94 Points
J & K Anniversary Wine Night (Lyon Again): This bottle had been open for about a week and it's getting better! There's an open nose of caramel, dried fruits (fig, date, raisin, etc...), dried orange rind, and roasted nuts. Lively acidity and moderate sweetness make it dance on your palate; is that a rumba or tango? Drink now - until you're dead.
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4/15/2017 - Vinophiliac559 wrote: 92 Points
Weekend of food and wine; 4/13/2017-4/16/2017 (Las Vegas): Score is mostly a reference point for me since I have very limited Madeira experience. Very nutty and caramel nose, reminded me of an oloroso sherry (But similarity ends there). Palate had a nice sweetness balanced by very good acidity. Nice weight and nice end to the evening.
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11/10/2016 - RajivAyyangar wrote:
Broadbent - Madeira, Port, and English Bubbles (One Market, SF): grape: Tinta Negra
Medium plus amber in the glass.
There’s a really interesting development - reminds me of mashed red fruits, flor, carrot, candied cherry.
Aromatics are a bit reticent - dried almond skin.
There’s a tannic grip on the palate. More intense overall than the Malmsey.
Medium sweet. Long finish.
So good!
19% alc
121.4 g/L RS (similar to the Malmsey 10y)
5.6 g/L (similar to the Malmsey 10y)
pH 3.33 (lower than the Malmsey, similar to the Sercial and Boal)
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8/21/2016 - WineKnurd Likes this wine: 95 Points
Dessert wine selected for dinner at Chef & the Farmer in Kinston NC, me and Mrs. Knurd on an extended date night. Bought the bottle and had the Somm pour us a few glasses since it wasn't offered on the menu. I can't begin to describe in words the ethereal connection between this Madeira and the chocolate chess pie with caramel and crushed pretzel glaze other than it was worth it to buy the entire bottle for just a single glass with that pie. Surprised at the freshness of the fruit on the nose- freshly cut dates where I was expecting more dried / raisiny fruits. Caramel, roasted nuts, some figs, hints of orange peel, woody notes, and molasses all factor in there as well. Poured the remainder into a decanter when I got home, will enjoy over the next few weeks. Very much delivers even at the $66 price tag. Solid A (95) evaluation.
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3/5/2016 - Millennial Drinkers wrote: 95 Points
NFN, golden brown, delicious, nose is strong of liquor and dates
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1/23/2016 - Neecies Likes this wine: 93 Points
Sad day--my last bottle, and it's not easy to replace vintage Madeira at this price. Perfectly aged and excellent now: dark chocolate covered orange rinds, English toffee, coffee and dried apricots.
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10/13/2015 - isaacjamesbaker wrote: 93 Points
Madeira Wine Institute Tasting (Washington, DC): Dark caramel colored. A bit compact aromatically but swirling coaxes out dried mango, candied orange peel, caramel and bitter chocolate. Unctuous on the palate with gorgeous depth, moderately sweet but still refreshing. I get dried mango, bruised apple, dates, caramel, olive oil and a note that reminds me of sweet pepper jam. Crazy complex and full of life.
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6/12/2015 - partylikeakennedy wrote: 87 Points
Smells like pine trees. Tastes like pine sap and custard. Odd.
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2/21/2015 - Neecies Likes this wine: 95 Points
Exciting to discover an affordable, aged Madeira that beats a generic 10 yr all to heck but doesn't cost like a true antique. Caramel, apricot, dates, meyer lemon, and grapefruit pick up notes of toffee and dark chocolate in the kind of long finish you expect to wake up tasting the next morning. Mellow and tangy, lightly viscuous, from 100% tinta negra.
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9/17/2014 - yofog wrote:
Just had a quick taste and I feel like that doesn't do justice to this, but it was very deeply walnut/apricot and very richly tangy. Impressive.
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4/8/2014 - farinas Likes this wine: 93 Points
Portugal Tasting (Private Residence (Miami, FL)): In terms of color and palate it sits between an Oloroso and an Amontillado, except that it contains a higher dose of oak and resin and sharper orange peel acidity. Toasted brown color with glass coating tears. Bouquet of orange peel, almonds, honeycomb, and saltwater (reminiscent of speyside single malts). Entry is vibrant yet in harmony concerning the "just enough" level of sugar obtained in the blend. The finish is dry and oaky.
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2/22/2014 - Gargantua wrote:
Reminds me of those giant metal vats of buttery caramel popcorn with nuts, but there's a sherry-like (I'm thinking Valdespino Palo Cortado) acid and noble soft roundness on the nutty, drying finish. Some model glue aroma detracts from the magic. I guess I was hoping to approach about 60% of the magic of the undated Terrantez, but nah. Maybe 20%. Still quite nice though--on the palate it builds to a quince and fig paste aroma on top of salted, fried marcona almonds; slightly hot on finish, but good for the price I suppose. It's the glue that pisses on the parade a touch. Day 2 it mellows significantly -- much better. I'd advise opening then reclosing, and approaching day 2.
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7/11/2013 - mattyboy_ Likes this wine: 94 Points
A very fine colheita. Lots of nutty caramel fig and orange peel flavors, burnt sugar and a hint of molasses. Interesting layers to the viscous mouthfeel. What I really like about this colheita is the liveliness that complements the richness. Quite fresh and lively on the palate.
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4/4/2013 - farinas Likes this wine: 92 Points
In terms of color and palate it sits between an Oloroso and an Amontillado, except that it contains a higher dose of oak and resin and sharper orange peel acidity. Toasted brown color with glass coating tears. Bouquet of orange peel, almonds, honeycomb, and saltwater (reminiscent of speyside single malts). Entry is vivrant yet in harmony concerning the "just enough" level of sugar obtained in the blend. The finish is dry and oaky.
My first experience with Madeira and I'm impressed thus far. This bottle is in great shape to drink now or to put away for another...100yrs?
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12/30/2012 - WDSteers wrote: 95 Points
crowd pleasure in tasting of 7 madieras including Historic series Charleston, Savannah, Boston and '88 Terrantez , almond and honey with carmel flavors
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2/16/2012 - sweetstuff wrote: 92 Points
19 pabv. $45/750 ml; Arrow Wines, Centerville, OH. Broadbent Selections, San Francisco, CA, Importer. 'Aged in Oak until Maturity'.
T-cork closure. Green-pink tawny hue.
Takes a moment for an odd bottle funk to blow off. Sweet, smoky-stony with hint of roast walnut and caramelized fruit.
Beautiful juicy soaring acidity; nice energetic liquid texture, approximately Verdelho-level sweetness, with a veal consomme-like finish. More development expected in the next few weeks after opening.
Drink now through lifetime of cork, estimated 25 years (2037). Worth the tariff, especially given the way Madeira can be enjoyed long after opening.
(92 pts.)
Second day: Worcestershire sauce, cold fruit soup, floral, over previously-noted caramel notes with excellent sweet-acid balance. Fresh-apple finish. Dry enough for table use and appetizing enough for sipping on its own.
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10/28/2009 - RajivAyyangar wrote:
Distributor Tastings (CV): Broadbent (CV): Colheita = "Harvest" in Portuguese. Similar concept for Portuguese. Frasquera is equivalent of vintage. But this is aged for less - 9 years. Similar to LBV in Port.
Orange peel, spice, dark, dried oranges. Great acid. good sweetness. Reminds me of the 120 minutes IPA dogfish head. Good stuff.
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7/5/2008 - nwk wrote:
'pungent', salty, resin and orange peel. This is a cool wine with loads of saline/salty goodness. Not too sweet with a lot of complexity and character.
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5/22/2007 - andrewstevenson.com wrote: 88 Points
Broadbent Wines (LIWSF, London): Very pleasant nose: almost figgy and citrussy. Very good palate, with some spirit showing on the finish. Very Good/Very Good Indeed.
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