The 1997 Henriques & Henriques Boal is a beautifully aged fortified wine from Madeira, Portugal, produced from the traditional Boal grape variety. Combining the natural richness of this medium-sweet Madeira style with the complexity developed through extended maturation, it offers an intricate expression of the island’s winemaking heritage. The nose reveals inviting aromas of dried apricots, orange marmalade, roasted almonds and figs, complemented by layers of toffee, warm cinnamon, polished wood and delicate hints of tobacco and spice.
On the palate, it is rich and finely balanced, with vibrant acidity providing a refreshing contrast to its concentrated sweetness. Flavours of candied citrus, dried raisins, caramelised nuts and dark toffee unfold alongside subtle notes of espresso, baking spices and orange peel. The texture is smooth and layered, displaying impressive depth while maintaining the lively structure characteristic of mature Madeira. The finish is long, warming and persistent, leaving lingering impressions of roasted hazelnuts, burnt sugar, dried fruit and gentle savoury complexity.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is an excellent choice for collectors and enthusiasts of mature fortified wines who appreciate the balance of sweetness, acidity and developed complexity. The 1997 Henriques & Henriques Boal showcases the remarkable ageing potential of vintage Madeira, offering rich dried-fruit character, elegant nutty notes and a beautifully structured finish. Ready to enjoy now, it also has the capacity for further cellaring when stored appropriately. Best served slightly chilled at 12–14°C to appreciate its aromatic depth and refined sweetness. Particularly well suited to caramelised apple tart, sticky date pudding, roasted pecans, aged Gouda, dark chocolate truffles or traditional fruitcake.
