Blandy's Bual 1980

17.5 / 20

Producer: Blandy's

Region: Madeira

Country: Portugal

Dark golden, almost amber, this 1980 Bual is starting to show the complexity usually found in old Madeiras in both the nose and the mouth.

Dried figs and almonds show up in the nose, along with the usual burnt sugars and exotic woods. Also present are some iodine notes, giving it a fresh, scented nose.

Feeling very fresh in the mouth, this shows a beautiful balance. Deep and complex, with a marked toffee side to it, it finishes long and pleasant.

A very good Madeira, in a fine balance between the usual Madeira acidity and the weight and complexity given by its sweeter side.

Tasted on 2012-01-05

Quinta de Santa Eufémia White 30 years 1980

18.0 / 20

Producer: Quinta de Santa Eufémia

Region: Porto

Country: Portugal

Old white ports are not that easy to find, but this producer has a whole range of them, from 10 years to 30 years old. I had the chance to taste the 20 and the 30 years old last sunday and was blown away by them, specially this one (although the 20 year old is also a great wine and will have a taste note later on).

Golden brown in color, the nose is extremely rich and complex. Some smoky impressions combine with sweeter notes, along with dried fruits (almonds) and coffee. To me, it brought to mind some old madeiras due to the smoky feel.

The taste is equally impressive, as the wine has an impressive structure. Sweet but balanced, never going overboard, it summons to mind figs, almonds and honey in a complex and layered taste, with a finale that seems to go on forever.

By itself, for sure. I wouldn't match it with food or anything else.

Tasted on 2010-12-04

Dow's Vintage 1980

19.0 / 20

Producer: Dows

Region: Porto

Country: Portugal

The 1980 Dow's vintage is rumored to be one of the secret best vintage ports in recent years. Although the year was not an excellent Port Vintage year, it still brought to the world some excellent wines. Like this one. Red in color, it does not show its age. The nose has notes of cocoa, almonds and sweetness, like honey or caramel. The mouth is intense, complex, with a lot of red fruit and alcohol. Not very sweet, it still has a great acidity, telling us it can and will grow for some more years.

I would try this one with something like a pumpkin or orange pie. Or by itself.