TN: 1863 Blandy Malmsey Solera Madeira

[Eric Ifune]

Getting ready to deploy in a few days, and since I won't be able to indulge in Madeira, Port, or any other alcoholic beverage for that matter for several months; I've been trying to drink some nice wines. Today opened Blandy's 1863 Malmsey Solera. In an old 70 cl bottle. Paper label which states it was bottled by Edward Young & Co., London. This had the longest cork I've seen in a Madiera, a good 3.5 cm long. I guess this is because it's English bottled. Decanted off a considerable amount of sediment. This tasted great right out of the bottle but did improve in the decanter. Usually I find Madeira requires some time in decanter but this was an exception. I'm assuming this is because it's a solera wine, having been refreshed. Beautiful tawny, mahogany, green-gold color. This just radiated! Classic rich, sweet, tangy aromas of figs, dried fruit. A good dose of VA but not too much. Rich and sweet in the mouth, even for a Malmsey/Malvasia. Perfect acidity. Very fresh. I love old vintage Madeiras but there's something to be said about the freshness of these solera wines. Perhaps not the length and depth of the really great Madeiras but this is still very, very excellent.

[Gary Banker]

Eric,

Was their any information on when it was bottled?

To the sandbox or the rockpile?

Gary Banker

[Andy Velebil]

Eric,

Stay safe and keep you're head down.

[Eric Ifune]

Going with the rocks. I'm hoping I have internet access.
No indication when bottled. Probably at its best about 24 hours after decanting with the stopper off.
Thanks all!

[Roy Hersh]

Eric,

In all seriousness, please be safe and THANK YOU for all that you do!

Your friend,

Roy


PS. Glad you had the chance to enjoy a great bottle prior to your deployment. Please do send word here whenever you have a moment to let us know you are safe.

[Eric Ifune]

Well, I do have internet access although it's slow and intermittent. I'll try to keep up with the forum and my e-mail!