TN: No known Malvasia Vintage Madeira

[Steve Shapiro]

Brought to 3/2/2011 tasting by Dr. Bill McGowan. Drawn from demijohn that had been left unstoppered for decades. Nose with great depth of plums and dark fruit. On palate, fabulous concentration. About 8-10% residual sugar. Dried fruits, toffee, oriental spices. Very high acidity, resulting in endless, clean, minerally finish. With airing in glass for 2-3 hours, it continually evolved and improved! Coconut, caramel, orange peel all added to the initial bouquet, and the coconut showed clearly in the mouth. Mannie Berk and Ricardo Freitas (Barbeito) thought it might be a Civil War malmsey. The wine of the afternoon in a terrific tasting. Most likely the wine on any tasting. 20+/20. (3/11).