1999 Sercial
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Tasted from a mini sample bottle. Smells like wood-fire smoke rising from a little cabin in thick fir woods. Needle sharp, slender and fragrant. Like pine needles dipped in aged aceto balsamico. Coffee, iodine, tamarind and a lick of lemon. Really woodsy. This is a wine that holds the spirit of midwinter. Piercingly fine. Finely bitter. (TC)
Critic scores
Average Score
Tim Jackson MW, jancisrobinson.com
Tamlyn Currin, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Mid amber-brown – all three Sercial and Terrantez d’Oliveiras wines are notably deeper colour than four other Madeiras tasted at the same time. A slightly reticent nose, with cola nuts, chocolate, Christmas spices, cooked orange and a touch of polished wood. Noticeable sweetness on the palate entry, giving way to lively acidity and a touch of phenolic chew. Long, toasty, nutty finish. Makes up in length what it perhaps gives away in finesse. (TJ)
The 1999 Sercial has a light floral bouquet with a touch of sea spray, all nicely defined although I would have liked more vigor. The simple, midweight palate reveals an almost muted tang of lemongrass, while the finish does not quite get to grips with this variety as well as some of its peers do.