Blandy’s Bual 1957 was aged for 60 years in seasoned American oak casks and as with all the family’s vintages, this wine started its ageing process in the warm high attic floors of the lodge in the centre of Funchal. Over the 60 years, the wine passed down from the warmer top floor of the Blandy’s Wine Lodges, the “Sotão de Amendoa”. The art of finding the right balance between concentration and the freshness of the wine lies in the winemaker’s decision when to transfer the wine to the lower cooler north facing floors of the lodge.
Reviews
At 60 years of age, this wine sustains its luscious tenor and deep bass notes with quiet, persistent amplitude—there’s nothing dried out about it. This is glorious, sunny Madeira, its darker tones of fig, date and toffee opening to brighter notes of candied citrus and meadow flowers. Plump and expansive, even as the finesse of the structure focuses all of its flavor detail.
EDITOR'S CHOICE - Bottled in 2017, this wine aged in old oak for 60 years. It still has all the sweetness you would expect from a Bual Madeira while also having that old wood, almost golden character. Acidity balances the opulent fruit. Drink this wine now.
This has a juicy, inviting feel, with notes of pistachio, toasted sesame, walnut and brown bread forming the core, backed by light licorice root and date accents on the finish. Shows a lovely interplay between the sweet and dry sides.