TN: Massandra 7 year-old Madeira

[Mike J. W.]

I am remiss in not posting this tasting note sooner. Vince from the forum was kind enough to share some of this with me early this year. I have been sipping on it since then. I know it's not technically a Madeira, but I think this is the best place for this tasting note. Andreas and Vince both discussed Massandra previously in this thread... https://fortheloveofport.com/ftlopforum ... hp?t=46395

Color: Slightly Burnt Honey-Orange, Rim: None, Meniscus: Medium with a pale straw colored tinge, Weight (Viscosity): Medium but thickens on the long aftertaste, Nose: Leather, Very, very slight medicinal tone, Hints of Oak and Pepper, Freeze Dried Oranges, Rich but dry, Sophisticated, Taste: Melange of Herbs, Leather, The Very Slightest Hint of Maraschino Cherries breaks through on the long aftertaste, Oak, Dried Oranges or Orange Peel?, Pepper, Walnuts all throughout but especially on the long aftertaste, Acidity: Medium but perfectly balanced, Mid-palate, Late, Tannins: Light, Sweetness Level: Dry, Mid-palate, Late, Long, Smooth, Other Notes: Long legs, Perfectly balanced and so smooth, It's so well integrated, there's heat, but in a warming sense on the very long, mouth enveloping aftertaste, this continues to ping my salivary glands long after I've finished a sip, This is bone dry, but so pleasant and beautiful. I normally prefer something sweet, but this is so well balanced and constructed, that it's a pleasure to drink. It could be an apertif or a very different after-dinner drink in lieu of Port. I really enjoyed this and I would score it at 94 points