1903 Bual Reserva
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Tasting notes
The 1903 Boal shows more caramel character on the nose than I would like, with molasses and nougat notes very noticeable. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, masculine tannins on the entry. However, it remains rather tough and a little dry towards the stern finish. I would afford this bottle aging to see if it will improve. 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
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Bottled 2003. Light, bright tawny. Rather fusty nose at first. Very treacly and concentrated with aggressive attack. There is something a little metallic and hard about the end of the palate but it's amazingly persistent. Quite rich. This may have been kept in wood a little bit too long but it's amazing how well it has stood up to the experience. It smells a little like liquid treacle. (JR)