For The Love Of Port

Barbeito Mae Manuela Over 40 Anos Malvasia Amber orange with slight yellow/green meniscus; fresh, high-toned aromas of tropical fruits, orange peel, nuts, cognac. On the palate this is fabulously elegant, tart, sugarcane sweetness, honeyed, full, but quite precise, and complete with orange, zesty pulsating energy. The classic Barbeito juicy acidity-plus criss-crosses through the deep, aged well of tender Malvasia flesh, careening to an electric, satisfying, and long finish. Wow! Incredible Malvasia! Bravo, Ricardo!

How long would you recommend having it open before it reaches its best?
Popped one open tonight (meant to do it when son #2 arrives but no guarantee that happens before my parents head back to PT so figured would open it now so they'd get to taste it). Enjoyed it but couldn't taste the wonderful finish you describe.

I'll concur with Barry, who posted his tasting notes much more eloquently than I could. This bottle has really changed my opinion of what a Malvasia can be. I opened the bottle a week before Christmas and have slowly nipped over the last few weeks. What struck me was the auburn color of the madeira, much lighter than I would have expected. Also the VA was very pronounced, almost like a sweet latex/fresh paint combo. Two weeks in and it's just starting to dissipate. All that said it doesn't distract from the wine in any way. It looks like bottles can be had for less than RWC's current asking price, so do your research!

Well done Barbeito! This is one of the finest madeira's I've tasted to date.