1927 Henriques & Henriques Bastardo Madeira, Portugal

DUE NOV 2025

The very rare 1927 Bastardo was very different and powerful, with 10.97 grams of acidity, high volatility and close to 22% alcohol, dense and concentrated, with high dry extract and 114 grams of sugar. This is a real beast with almost painful intensity, very different from the rest of grapes. It comes from a red variety and smells of old waxed furniture, varnish, acetaldehyde and nail polish. It has everything and a lot of it. It has a real Madeira profile in an XXL style. 1,906 bottles were filled in November 2021.

97 points Luis Gutiérrez robertparker.com

21.7% alc./vol., 114 g/L residual sugar

Synonymous designation of the Trousseau grape variety (France), it matures early and reaches high sugar contents. Long oxidative ageing has revealed a complex aromatic composition, with notes of prunes, tobacco, coffee, caramel, toasted nuts and hazelnuts and propolis. In the mouth it is rich, unctuous and persistent.

Henriques & Henriques

Bastardo is synonymous designation of the Trousseau grape grown in parts of France. It ripens early and reaches significant sugar levels. This wine is real rarity and was only bottled in 2021: nut brown-mahogany in hue with spicy though slightly baked-toasted aromas and a pronounced torrefaction richness on the palate (114g/l residual sugar) redolent of dark chocolate and roasted coffee. The acidity really cuts though (11 g/l tartaric) leading to a long bitter-sweet finish. A rather wonderful curiosity and a great survivor.

18/20 Richard Mayson richardmayson.com

Henriques & Henriques is a prestigious name in the world of Madeira wines, known for producing some of the finest and most distinctive fortified wines from the island of Madeira. Founded in 1850, the family-owned winery has a long and storied history that spans several generations. Henriques & Henriques is one of the few remaining fully integrated producers of Madeira, from vineyard management to bottling, allowing them to maintain complete control over the quality and consistency of their wines.

Madeira, located off the coast of Portugal, is famous for its unique winemaking process, which involves heating the wine (a process called estufagem) to replicate the conditions of long sea voyages. This process, combined with the island's distinctive soil and climate, produces wines that are rich, complex, and capable of aging for decades. Henriques & Henriques has an extensive range of Madeira wines, from the lighter, more approachable styles to rich, complex ones designed for aging.

The winery’s expertise is showcased in their variety of styles, including dry, medium dry, medium sweet, and rich, full-bodied sweet Madeiras. They are best known for their use of traditional Madeira grape varieties, such as Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, and Malvasia, each contributing unique characteristics to the final wine. Their vintage Madeiras, in particular, have earned widespread acclaim for their ability to age beautifully, developing an incredible depth of flavor and complexity over time.

Henriques & Henriques also stands out for its commitment to sustainability and innovation, ensuring that their vineyards and winemaking practices are aligned with modern environmental standards while still preserving the traditional craftsmanship that has defined the Madeira wine industry for centuries.

Whether you’re exploring their entry-level styles or seeking a rare vintage Madeira, Henriques & Henriques offers an impressive range of wines that highlight the unique qualities of this iconic island wine.