The usual D'Oliveiras rich dark mahogany colour.. On the palate this is big, rich, sweet and smooth and to be honest, a bit obvious. 40yrs in cask have concentrated and mellowed this wine but I'd like to see a bit more cut and bite to balance out all that richness and to make a more unified whole. By no means a 'bad' wine but I have had better Boals. The Borges 1977 Boal by contrast is a masterclass in balance and a reference point for this grape.
Day 3. So much better. Still smooth and honied but better balanced now. More grip.
Day 5. As always, I judge Madeira far too early. After 5 days this is a different wine. Lovely richness (not necessarily sweetness) balanced by just the right amount amount of acidity and bite finishing clean with a lingering aftertaste of dried figs and toasted pine nuts. Just a complete pleasure to drink and while I still prefer the Borges 1977, this is lovely wine. Have bumped my score up from an initial 88 to a 91. All good things come to those who wait.
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Madeira Pilgrimage; 2/1/2016-2/4/2016 (Madeira): OK, this one's on point. Rich aromas of trail mix, honey and dried apricots. Bold style but still bright and well-integrated. Dates, figs, caramel, nuts and honey, all of it balanced and smooth.
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1/29/2023 - gouldcampbell77 Likes this wine: 91 Points
2021 bottling. Decanted 24hrs
The usual D'Oliveiras rich dark mahogany colour.. On the palate this is big, rich, sweet and smooth and to be honest, a bit obvious. 40yrs in cask have concentrated and mellowed this wine but I'd like to see a bit more cut and bite to balance out all that richness and to make a more unified whole. By no means a 'bad' wine but I have had better Boals. The Borges 1977 Boal by contrast is a masterclass in balance and a reference point for this grape.
Day 3. So much better. Still smooth and honied but better balanced now. More grip.
Day 5. As always, I judge Madeira far too early. After 5 days this is a different wine. Lovely richness (not necessarily sweetness) balanced by just the right amount amount of acidity and bite finishing clean with a lingering aftertaste of dried figs and toasted pine nuts. Just a complete pleasure to drink and while I still prefer the Borges 1977, this is lovely wine. Have bumped my score up from an initial 88 to a 91. All good things come to those who wait.
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2/4/2016 - isaacjamesbaker wrote: 92 Points
Madeira Pilgrimage; 2/1/2016-2/4/2016 (Madeira): OK, this one's on point. Rich aromas of trail mix, honey and dried apricots. Bold style but still bright and well-integrated. Dates, figs, caramel, nuts and honey, all of it balanced and smooth.
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