This year we spent the etymologically challenged hog-ma-whatsits at our neighbours. The gathering also included one of my great mates, Scrivvy. Now Scrivvy is what one might call a bit of a hoarder, and has the habit of producing, out of the hat, the most stupendous bottles of alcohol that he has kept next to the AGA for the last 10+ years and more often than not, asks my help to recover, decant, and consume said tipple. This year proved to be a little extraordinary. I'm not sure if you can see on the label in the photo but this bottle of Madeira was conceived in 1954.
The Scrivs brought the cheese course comprising Oxford Blue, another quite delicious Oxford soft white cheese and the olfactory assault followed by gustatory nirvana that is Stinking Bishop. With grapes and figs accompanying the cheese we were all set to excite the palette for this potentially phenomenal Madeira.
So yes, I'm a bit of a ponce when it comes to wine as evidenced by this innuendo stuffed video. Please enjoy this video of me already gently lubricated, as I over enthuse about this wonderful wine.
So finally, my verdict on the '54. Outstanding, honeyed notes with an undercurrent of gently flambé toffee. The complex flavours contrasted vividly with the cheeses - well worth the 56 years since the grapes were harvested. Happy New Year.
No comments:
Post a Comment