TN: NV Barbeito 30 Year Old Lote Especial Malvasia Madeira

[David Spriggs]

Bottled in 2006. I believe that this was the first 30 year old made on the Island. Bronze color. On opening the nose was really funky and lactic - like bad yogurt. Day two - Wow! What a transformation. Very complex nose of honey, lime, mango, and smoke. A big entry! Wonderful complex entry of burnt sugar, lemon, marzipan, burnt butter. There is a stunning amount of acid that comes in late. Extremely long finish. There is a wonderful mouth-filling sensation as it expands in the mouth. This is very rich, but the acid saves it.
I looked for more than 10 years for this Madeira. I finally found it in the UK and imported it. I am very happy that I did not give up the chase! 94 points.