Barbeito Cristavao Colombo Madeira

[robr]

This is a 10 year old; it says it was fermented 10 years in French oak barrels, but there are no dates anywhere on the label! It does also say that it is a product of Portugal, and made from Boal grapes grown on the southern slopes of Madeira island.

I quite like it. This is my first taste of a good Madeira, and it reminds me of sherry, then port, then brandy -- lots of caramel on the nose and in the middle, a taste of raisins and something more astringent, but not unpleasantly so. Sweet but not cloying, more of a medium sweet wine I would say.

19% alcohol, I paid about $36. BK ??? I can't rate it, as this is my first one!

[VouvrayHead]

sounds good!
i love Bual/Boal... it's my favorite of the Madeira grapes.
10 yr old is usually the sweet-spot value wise... much better than the 5 yr olds, and much cheaper than older wine. $36 is right in line for 10 yr Bual.
remember, since it's already oxidized it can stay open practically indefinitely and stay good!