TN: NV Barbeito Madeira Verdelho 10 Years Old

[Marco D.]

• NV Barbeito Madeira Verdelho 10 Years Old - Portugal, Madeira (2/4/2012)
  Another winner from Barbeito. This leans towards the dry side with buttered pecans, honey and citrus skin. An initial creamy texture, but the mouth watering acidity and slightly saline finish cleans things up nicely. Relatively light in body, but not shy with flavor. Very enjoyable. (90 pts.)
  

[Roy Hersh]

Hi Marco,

Did this come from the RWC and if so, what was the cost of this Madeira?

[Marco D.]

I did get it through the Rare Wine Company. It was only sold in a six pack of assorted Barbeito wines. I think the set was about $200.

[Roy Hersh]

Well, I am glad they've added a Verdelho to the mix. It was the missing link, for sure, in their Historic Series. Gotta try this one!

[Marco D.]

They have put out the Savannah Verdelho and the Porto Moniz Verdelho under their Historic Series label... I personally think the Porto Moniz is quite the superior wine (but also more expensive).

Technically this 10 year old Verdelho is not labeled as a RWC "Historic Series" wine, but under the Barbeito label. I think I remember the original 6-pak offer for the assorted Barbeito wines saying that this 10 year old Verdelho is no longer available... pity...

[Marco D.]

For what its worth, I actually looked at the label on the Porto Moniz Verdelho and although it is under "The Rare Wine Company" label, it is not technically labeled as "Historic Series".

[Gary Banker]

I was going to leave my bottle for a while, but Marco's report killed that plan.

I enjoyed it a lot. I have read wine writers who describe verdelho as "refreshing' and often consumed before lunch. This wine fits that description. I also got the citrus peel flavor and thought that it struck a good balance with just enough sweetness. I wonder if Barbeito have managed to be consistent with their 10 year old wines. If I can find any Barbeito 10 year verdelho, and it is this good, I'll buy it by the case.

When RWC sent out the offer, they said that the 10 year verdelho would normally be $45. RWC included it as a bonus.