TN: NV Rare Wine Company Historic Series New York Malmsey Madeira

John Danza · Post by **John Danza** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 10:52 pm

Over the past few days I've been enjoying my first bottle of the Rare Wine Company Historic Series "New York" Malmsey. Wow, what a great wine! The mouthfeel is fabulous. The flavors are dominated by caramel, almonds, and burnt sugar. The VA is very much in control. I highly recommend it. I think I've found my new house Madeira.

All the best,
John Danza

Post by **Roy Hersh** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 7:42 pm

John,

The first time I tried it was towards the end of an amazing Malvasia & Moscatel (only) Madeira event and I was way underwhelmed. In retrospect, I gave thought later on and felt I may not have been "fair" to that wine because how could it possibly have impressed me after a tasting of some of the greatest Malmseys ever made.

I tried the RWC NY Malmsey in mid-January and I had a very different impression. My TN won't be on line for another month or so, but I enjoyed it quite a bit and found it much better than my expectations and would definitely now feel good about recommending it.

I still want to satisfy my curiosity and have it side-by-side against the Broadbent 10 year old Malmsey, which has been my favorite $40 or under Madeira for some time now. Actually, I may just put together a small panel of tasters to do this.

John Danza · Post by **John Danza** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 11:33 pm

Roy Hersh wrote:Actually, I may just put together a small panel of tasters to do this.

I'm in!!! Oops, did that come out too fast?

I haven't had the Broadbent 10 year but I have had the Blandy's 10 year and I think the RWC kicks the bejesus out of the Blandy's. It looks like I can get the RWC by the case for under $38 locally at Binny's, so I think I'll be placing an order tomorrow.

Post by **Roy Hersh** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 4:45 am

Definitely grab a case of the RWC Malmsey. Also save yourself the r/t airfare to Seattle (not that I wouldn't like to sit over a few bottles of Madeira with you John :) ) and buy one bottle of the 10 year old Broadbent ... check the old thread here ... and do your own comparison. I'd love to hear someone else's opinion on this.

Ok, who wants to come over to do a blind tasting of these wines?

Post by **Andy Velebil** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 7:24 am

Roy Hersh wrote:
Ok, who wants to come over to do a blind tasting of these wines?

Hmm, don't gotta ask me twice.

(disclaimer: so long as work agrees and lets me off.)

Edit: should have said...my normal days off are Tuesday thru saturday afternoon.

John Danza · Post by **John Danza** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 7:36 am

Roy Hersh wrote:Ok, who wants to come over to do a blind tasting of these wines?

Hi Roy,

I've got plenty of miles on American, so getting to Seattle isn't a problem. If you don't mind doing the tasting on a Friday night or the weekend, I can get there. I've got a couple of open weekends coming up between now and mid-April, so let me know what works.

All the best,
John

John Danza · Post by **John Danza** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 3:36 pm

OK, I couldn't wait. I picked up a bottle of Broadbent 10 year Malmsey this afternoon and did a tasting with it at the RWC New York. This probably wasn't an entirely fair tasting as the RWC had been open for a week, however I think this matters much less with Madeira than with other wines.

To my palate and nose, these two wines are completely different. The Broadbent nose is dominated by maple. while the RWC is sharper, almost a bit citrus-like due to the VA. The Broadbent flavor was caramel, with very restrained acidity. The RWC flavor was raisins with very noticable acid. This is really no different than the RWC was when I opened it.

In the end, I think they're very different wines and your palate will make the difference. For my palate, I prefer the Broadbent. However, they both went very well with the cheese we had after the tasting. The cheese was from Jasper Hill Farm in Vermont. It was strong and pungent, very much like Pont L'Eveque or Epoisses from France. I've not found this flavor profile in any domestic cheese, and it was excellent.

I would love to know your thoughts.

All the best,
John

Jay Powers · Post by **Jay Powers** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 12:10 am

Roy

I would love to come up to Seattle for a tasting, Madeira or Port, blind or not. Other than the 23rd where I'm obligated for another tasting, Thursday or Friday nights would be best for me, as then I could combine it with a snowboarding trip on Friday/Sat/Sun with a bunch of friends I have that live up there.

Let me know if you plan anything, I could easily bring a bottle or two with me (packed in with the moldy old snowboarding clothes, but hey the bottles are sealed, right?)

Jay

Post by **Roy Hersh** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 5:08 pm

OK, I'll try to come up with dates that could work ...

MAYBE the last weekend in April.

Jay Powers · Post by **Jay Powers** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 8:23 pm

Roy

I'm now obligated to stay here for work until the 23rd. After that?

Jay