WINE & LIFESTYLE REPORT
Blandy's 15 years Old Malmsey Madeira
Tasted January 2011
Appearance - clear and bright, medium intensity brown hue. Good amount of tears and a slightly watery rim.
Nose - clean, fully developed, medium plus intensity aromas. Dried figs and sultanas, some cinnamon, oaky cedar notes, discrete hints of varnish and intense sun baked aromas.
Palate - sweet, lively high acidity, high fortification level, medium tannin level, full body with pronounced flavour intensity. The main notes come once again from the dried fruits, figs, prune, sultanas, distinct caramelised notes, molasses and a long waxy, spicy finish full of tobacco notes.
Conclusions (17/20) - very good quality, showing very nice balance, concentrated flavours, fair amount of complexity and enormous length. Fully ready to drink now, as intended, but as a typical well made Madeira it will last almost indefinitely. In terms of desert wines this is frankly good value and should be sought after to enjoy, for example, with some typical honey cake from Madeira.
Now, why the hell aren't this wines on top of the World's minds, as being the most fantastic, reassuring, long living, intense sweet wines in the World? And I'm getting this out of my chest as a reaction to a fairly simple 15 years Malmsey, there are some really epic vintages out there that are just to die for! As for this one I will keep it in my fridge with no worries whatsoever, reassured that for weeks I can come back and have a pleasurable after dinner drink.
Approximate retail price - €35
Appearance - clear and bright, medium intensity brown hue. Good amount of tears and a slightly watery rim.
Nose - clean, fully developed, medium plus intensity aromas. Dried figs and sultanas, some cinnamon, oaky cedar notes, discrete hints of varnish and intense sun baked aromas.
Palate - sweet, lively high acidity, high fortification level, medium tannin level, full body with pronounced flavour intensity. The main notes come once again from the dried fruits, figs, prune, sultanas, distinct caramelised notes, molasses and a long waxy, spicy finish full of tobacco notes.
Conclusions (17/20) - very good quality, showing very nice balance, concentrated flavours, fair amount of complexity and enormous length. Fully ready to drink now, as intended, but as a typical well made Madeira it will last almost indefinitely. In terms of desert wines this is frankly good value and should be sought after to enjoy, for example, with some typical honey cake from Madeira.
Now, why the hell aren't this wines on top of the World's minds, as being the most fantastic, reassuring, long living, intense sweet wines in the World? And I'm getting this out of my chest as a reaction to a fairly simple 15 years Malmsey, there are some really epic vintages out there that are just to die for! As for this one I will keep it in my fridge with no worries whatsoever, reassured that for weeks I can come back and have a pleasurable after dinner drink.
Approximate retail price - €35
