Mannie Berk | This was one of several very old Madeiras Henrique Menèzes Borges left to his three children on his death in 1916. According to family legend, HM considered these wines to be his best and instructed his children not to sell them. The Madeiras eventually went to one son, João Maria, who on his death in 1989 bequeathed them to his six children. On February 13, 1989, the wines were all bottled from demijohn by H

Mannie Berkorges personnel in the presence of the Borges family. The wines were divided equally among the children. There were 23 bottles of the 1800 Verdelho, each child receiving three or four bottles Little is known about the origin of these "Borges family wines," except that they are believed to have been acquired by HM around the turn of the 20th century. Although the dates are those given by HM, they should be considered approximate.

Roy Hersh | Medium sunset orange color withatawny-gold meniscus. A sweet and lively spirited bouquet of dried dates, golden raisins, violets, VA, and honeyed bees wax provide the lifted aromatic fireworks. Medium-full, rich, elegant, and smoky on the palate, the profile of tart citrus fruits, apricot preserves, and sweet pecan pie showed a bit too much heat in the middle and finish, albeit with loads of crisp acidity. The flavor intensity and length of the finish were underwhelming, and the fruit is just beginning to dry out, so drink up over the next 10–15 years or so. | 17