1954 Henriques & Henriques Boal Madeira, Portugal

DUE NOV 2025

On the nose, the Boal shows that typical smoky character of the grape, combined with lots of spicy notes (clove, curry, ginger), caramel and fresh (!) apricots. Not so much wood taste although there are scents of vanilla and coffee grounds. Add walnuts to that and a slightly floral note which just faintly makes me think Moscatel. On the palate it offers a good mouth-feel with typical 1954 concentration. Dried fruits, specially apricots and figs, some pipe tobacco and vanilla. Then sugar cane and smoke, honey and ripe lime fruit acidity to balance the quite sweet Boal. Long, lasting finish. Strange to write a 1954 feels a bit young, but then again, this is Madeira, the wine which constantly surprises me.

Niklas Jörgensen Mad About Madeira

18.6% alc./vol., 89 g/L residual sugar.

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.