D'Oliveiras, Sercial, Madeira, Portugal, 1989

About The Producer
D’Oliveira is one of the greatest of the classic Madeira shippers, and one of the few to survive from the pre-phylloxera era. With origins as far back as 1820, and today housed in cellars that date from 1619, this highly important company is still owned by the same family, who were once highly important growers in the parish of São Martinho.

Its stocks of old wines have grown over time, either through marriage with other wine-producing families, or by the purchase of other old firms. But the foundation for its unparalleled library of ancient vintages was laid more than 150 years ago in the legendary São Martinho vineyards of João Pereira D'Oliveira, the great grandfather of the current managing director, Luis D’Oliveira.

João Pereira was particularly well known for his Verdelhos, building on São Martinho’s reputation for this noble grape. The village’s Verdelhos have long enjoyed a high reputation; in 1896, the New York Madeira merchant Charles Bellows singled out São Martinho Verdelhos from the others on the island for their “wonderful perfume.”

Grape / Blend
Sercial

Origin
Madeira, Portugal

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Sercial the driving variety in this Madeira is one that drives acidity and minerality, although maderized it's an amazing aperitif, or along side vegetables. From 1989 this one is somewhat young for Sercial, and a rare treat in it's evolution. Asian spices, candied ginger, and almond notes are a true excitement. Give it some air, it'll shine!

93 Points - Wine Spectator

93 Points - James Goode
Sercial is used to make the driest of Madeira styles growing, as it does, in the most elevated of the island's vineyards. D'Oliveras Colheita wines are aged for as long as possible in barrel and are bottled just before export to gain maximum complexity.

Product size: 750ml