1925 H.M. Borges - 马德拉 Boal (Bual) - 1 Bottle (0.75L)

H.M. Borges – Madeira Velho Boal 1925 – Meio Doce – Rare Century-Old Vintage – Original Wicker-Wrapped Bottle – Family Cellar, 30+ Years

A remarkable piece of Portuguese wine history — a century-old Madeira from one of the island’s most respected and long-standing producers, offered directly from the family that has carefully preserved it for over three decades.

The Producer
H.M. Borges was founded in 1877 by Henrique Menezes Borges, a merchant dedicated to sourcing and ageing the finest wines from the island of Madeira. Still family-owned and run by its fourth generation, the house has remained committed to traditional methods and exceptional quality throughout its history.
The Wine
Boal (Bual) is one of Madeira’s noble grape varieties, producing wines of medium sweetness with remarkable acidity and complexity. The 1925 vintage represents an era of traditional winemaking that has become extraordinarily rare to find in original bottle.

Provenance
This bottle has been in the same family for over 30 years and has been carefully stored throughout. Based on the wide rounded bottle shape, short stopper cork, and original wicker cap — all characteristic of H.M. Borges bottlings of the era — the wine is believed to have been bottled during the 1950s or 1960s, making this bottle itself over 60 years old. No provenance documents exist, but the bottle’s condition and fill level speak for themselves.
Condition

Fill level: into the neck — outstanding for a wine of this age

Original wicker-wrapped bottle and cap, fully intact and visually striking

Label in good condition, with natural age-related patina consistent with its history

Short stopper cork, typical of pre-1970s H.M. Borges bottlings

No damage, no leakage

Tasting Notes (from documented references)
Deep tawny with a greenish rim. Complex nose of toffee, roasted aromas, and subtle savory notes. On the palate: vivid acidity, caramel, candied orange peel, chestnut, and a long finish of bitter almonds. Gains remarkable complexity with airing.

A note on Madeira
Unlike most wines, Madeira is virtually indestructible — its unique production process, involving deliberate oxidation and heat, means well-stored bottles can remain extraordinary for centuries. A 1925 Boal in this condition is a genuine collector’s piece and an increasingly rare find on the open market.