Single Cask Boal Madeira, 50cl

Youth, in Madeira, is relative: Barbeito,founded a mere three generations ago, counts as young. Current owner Ricardo Diogo Vasconcelos de Freitas is one of the most admired winemakers on the island, and this tiny-production 2005 Boal, made with grapes from Barbeito’s top vineyards, is exceptional. Deliberately oxidised in a partially filled wooden cask, it blends fresh notes of pine with richer scents of nuts, caramel and carob, and is equally balanced between nuts, spice and refreshing acidity on the palate. Serve chilled, with sticky toffee pudding.