How long will open Madeira last?

[Mike Kerr]

I have a bottle of 5 (or was it 10?) year Broadbent that I opened probably about 3 years ago. It's been in the back of my wine fridge since I moved (first time I've emptied the fridge out to inventory it since then), and I've probably got about 2/3 of the bottle left.

I know the stuff will keep nearly forever in an unopened bottle, and I've heard stories of aunts and grannies keeping their opened bottles of madiera in the kitchen cupboards, but realistically, how long will something like that keep?

I haven't tried any of it and really only cleaned out the fridge a couple weeks ago after returning to FTLOP after a lengthy absence, so it got me wondering if it was still drinkable. Cold weather is on the way and the cockles will want a-warmin'.

Mike.

[Glenn E.]

It should be great, actually.

Roy, that's your cue!

[Eric Ifune]

In my experience, as long as the bottle is resealed, Madeira lasts a long time. I've never had one for three years, but for over 9 months. If you don't reseal, i.e. leave the cork out, it loses aroma.

[Roy Hersh]

I had a previously opened Madeira that sat recorked in a cabinet for 9 years and I had an ounce or so, while visiting the home of the owner of Rare Wine Company. It was served blind and I knew nothing about it. As I was taking copious notes, I must say that it was stellar and when Mannie asked what I thought, I told himi it was stunning, great, piercing acidity and really fresh. He smiled and asked me if I would believe the bottle was open for 9 years already. I almost dropped my glass. Amazing stuff. LONG LIVE MADEIRa ... OR ... Madeira is long lived. Either one fits!

[Mike Kerr]

Thanks for the feedback folks! I won't rush to drink it all then, and will enjoy an occasional glass.

I don't drink a lot of wine, and usually it's just me, so opening a bottle of anything adds a little pressure to drink it all in a timely manner so as not to let anything go to waste. The first 1/3 of the bottle will be enjoyed thoroughly and then the other 2/3 I'm on the clock, so to speak. I know some Ports will hold up well for 3+ weeks, but at least with Madeira it seems I don't have that issue, and I can drink at leisure with no worries.

Mike.

[Roy Hersh]

Mike,

Have you visited Peter Reutter's www.madeirawineguide.com the best Madeira website on the net?

If not go there and check it out. Lots to read and learn!

[Mahmoud Ali]

How long will an open bottle of Madeira last? Almost indefinitely.

Once I left an open bottle of Madeira, a Malmsey, for 5 years. It was about two-thirds full, stoppered, and left on the dining room buffet table. After returning home from a five year trip I happened to serve it to some friends who were over for dinner and wine. It was after we had finished dinner that someone noticed the bottle. I told everyone that it was an inexpensive bottle of Madeira that I had purchased many years ago and had been sitting there for over 5 years but they were willing to try it. We were stunned by how good it was. Rich, complex, and lingering long. A fabulous drink. My guests wanted to know if I had any more bottles of the stuff and if I would be willing to part with them.

I suspect that the air in the opened bottle contributed to the development of the wine, adding years to it's advancement. A fresh botlle, from the same period, might not taste as good without the contribution of the airing.

The moral of the story is, if you see a bottle of Madeira sitting in a shop window on a heat register, don't worry, it'll likely be okay. Madeira is almost indestructable.

Mike, considering that your bottle is the Broadbent 10 Year Old, a very fine bottle, I suspect that it too will improve in it's open state. You may even want to consider taking it out of the fridge.

Cheers............Mahmoud.