1977 Reserva Boal
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Tasting notes
Darker than the D'Oliveiras Verdelho 1973 and smells a little richer. More nutty, walnuts and polished wood. Much fuller in the mouth too, sweeter, like spiced honey but still with stewed apricot fruit and fabulous balancing acidity. Fuller in the mouth and an intense bitter-toffee concentration that keeps your attention fixed on the wine. Stunning intensity and beautifully balanced. Worth every penny for sharing on a special occasion – or, of course, for drinking over several months. (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 1977 Boal is a little diffuse on the nose and seems slightly conservative and austere. The palate is well-defined with crisp tannins. There is an attractive seam of ginger and white pepper, although it needs more “Bual-like” weight on the finish. It was in 1850 that Joao Pereira d’Oliveira founded his company. He initially sold wines to other shippers, and it was not until the 1970s that they began to sell Madeira wines under their own label (though they continued to sell and buy lots, to and from other shippers.) It is a small company, but there are plentiful stocks of reserve wines. Their policy is to bottle on demand, which means their vintage wines can invariably benefit from extended cask aging. Let us begin with their reserve wines, which are mainly Tinta Negra Mole and are matured under estufugem. Importer: The Rare Wine Company, Sonoma, CA; Tel: (203) 457-1431; Fax: (203) 457- 4471
The 1977 D'Oliveiras Boal Reserva reveals superb depth and precision in its leather, spices, toffee and espresso. Smooth and remarkably balanced on the palate, this Madeira offers tons of length and plenty of style.