Did you have any NEW Madeira epiphany this year?

[Roy Hersh]

Something new that captivated your attention. Discovering a new producer, a new grape, visiting the island, a newly released bottle ... what won you over for the first time this year?

[Eric Ifune]

This:
http://www.fortheloveofport.com/ftlopfo ... =2&t=38330

Wondering how to access the wines of these small, no longer existent growers.

[Steve Pollack]

The 1880 and 1882 Barbeito Malvasias were both stunning and delicious eye openers.

[Moses Botbol]

My epiphany is that I need to buy more Madeira ASAP or I'll miss the boat due to rising prices.

[Lindsay E.]

I don't think this constitutes an "epiphany" but I learned that Blandy's can actually be a "good value" if you buy older releases as opposed to the current stuff. On the Madeirathon tour, I felt that most of the Blandy's bottlings we tasted were very overpriced with the exception of the 1988 Malmsey, and some of the non-colheita bottlings. But, Glenn recently opened a mid-60s Blandy's that only spent 20 years in wood before being bottled, and it was one of the best Madeira's I've ever had and the price was in line or less expensive with similar vintages from other producers.

-Lindsay

[Andy Velebil]

I don't think this constitutes an "epiphany" but I learned that Blandy's can actually be a "good value" if you buy older releases as opposed to the current stuff. On the Madeirathon tour, I felt that most of the Blandy's bottlings we tasted were very overpriced with the exception of the 1988 Malmsey, and some of the non-colheita bottlings. But, Glenn recently opened a mid-60s Blandy's that only spent 20 years in wood before being bottled, and it was one of the best Madeira's I've ever had and the price was in line or less expensive with similar vintages from other producers.

-Lindsay

I would concur with this part. My only issue with this producer is his pricing model, which basically is "Charge as much as I can." He needs to roll back prices on the younger "daily drinker" type stuff to make it more approachable for those looking to get into Madeira. When I recommend Madeira to people new to it I avoid recommending Blandy's younger products due to the price point (and mostly his use of 500ml bottles at that too).