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Tasting notes
The 1988 Bual has a lot of concentration, higher alcohol (20%), a lower pH (3.4) and 115 grams of sugar, more of everything from the long aging and evaporation during that time. This has a dark mahogany color and a complex nose, with some varnish, nutty and with a touch of iodine. In general, the single-harvest wines have more edges than the blended ones. This is round and pleasant. 1,593 bottles and some larger and smaller formats produced. It was bottled in April 2024.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 1988 Bual, released under the Cossart Gordon label, comes from Calheta with 115g/L residual sugar and 9.04g/L total acidity. This is harmonious and focused on the nose: Clementine, marmalade, candle wax and grilled hazelnuts. There's just the right amount of VA to give it lift. The palate is medium-bodied with a smooth texture. The acidity is such that it completely counterbalances the residual sugar, making it fresh…buoyant even! Elegant and poised on the finish, this Bual comes highly recommended. 1,593 bottles released (plus other formats).