RWC Historic Series 'Boston' Bual, Madeira DOC

RWC Historic Series 'Boston' Bual, Madeira DOC

Item Number: 327

UPC: 0-828116000284

Country: Portugal
Region: Madeira
Sub Region: Madeira
Appellation/AVA: Madeira DOC
Estate Grown Wine: No
Grape(s): 85% Bual / 15% Tinta Negro Mole
Type: Wine - Sherry & Madeira (Fortified)
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 19
Soil Type: Volcanic, on steep, terraced hillsides

History: The RWC Historic Series represents a close collaboration between The Rare Wine Co. and Vinhos Barbeito. First conceived in 1998, the goal from the beginning was to produce a series of affordable varietal Madeiras that possess the magical qualities of great Vintage Madeira. Each wine is made up 85% of the stated varietal, selected from parcels of wine 10 to 20 years old. The remaining 15% is very old Tinta Negro Mole, 40 to 60 years of age, which gives the wines much of their aged vintage character. Each wine is named for an American seaport where Madeira was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. The labels feature early engravings and historic information, further evoking a sense of Madeira’s towering importance in American history.

Aging: The best Madeiras, including those in the Historic Series, spend years or decades in large barrels of various sizes, subject to substantial yearly swings in temperature (a method called canteiro). This time is what gives the wines their unique personalities.

'Boston' Bual Tasting Notes: This elegant Bual shows classic notes of citrus peel and cinnamon. Its moderate sweetness, and good acidity, make it a wonderful after-dinner wine or versatile dessert pairing.

About Bual: For many Madeira lovers, Buals (Boals) offer the best combination of richness and elegance. The sweetness of the wine (up to 3.5% residual sugar) is balanced by the tang of acidity; the texture, after suitable maturing, is silky and elegant; in a fine example, the finish is relatively dry and refreshing. The Bual vines, grown up to a quarter-mile elevation, are not very prolific and only small amounts of this classic grape variety are produced.

Reviews

  • The Wine Spectator
    Rating: 93 (4/30/2016)

    Nutty aromas and flavors are filled with buttery notes in this plush and sweet style. Dried apricot and mango details add to the richness. Finishes with seductive smoke, dried beef and cocoa powder components. Drink now through 2050.
  • The Wine Advocate
    Rating: 92 (10/15/2020)

    Aromas of figs, dates, warm spices, espresso roast and candied peel introduce the latest bottling of the NV Boston Bual (Rare Wine Company), a medium to full-bodied, rich and elegantly muscular wine with a generous core of fruit, nicely integrated sweetness and a racy spine of acidity, concluding with a saline finish. This cuvée is intended to evoke the richer styles of Madeira that were historically popular in the northeastern United States
  • Vinous
    Rating: 93 (12/6/2022)

    The Madeira Boston Bual Special Reserve is one of the richest and most potent of the Madeiras in the Rare Wine Co.'s Historic Series. A dark, brooding Madeira, the Boston Bual is packed with dark macerated cherry, mocha, spice, worn-in leather, tobacco and dried herbs. It's a beautiful Madeira to drink at the end of a meal with cheese or bittersweet chocolate, which seems like the most obvious choice. This is an especially large-scaled,dramatic Madeira.