2002 Barbeito Boal Cask 264 A+D Madeira

The initial impact is savoury, with Christmas spice and dried oranges, along with something creamy from barrel. Gives way, with time in the glass, to dark berry fruit, dried blueberry and recently varnished wood panels. The palate is bright and full of energy, with raisins and sultanas, the sweetness effectively tempered by fortification and the natural acidity of Madeira. Colheita requires 10 years in barrel; this was bottled in 2020, making it 18 years in cask, almost Frasqueira-level, and as such exceptionally good value! Gorgeous, contemplative wine, perfect for the darker evenings at the end of the year. (JH 03/11/22)