TN: 1948 Barbeito Reserva Velha Malvazia Madeira

[Alan Gardner]

Golden walnut colour – surprisingly light but the aromas just exploded from the bottle. Still fierce acidity, but balanced by the intense sweetness. Shows exactly the balance of sweetness and acidity that characterizes fine Madeira. Dominant flavour is of slightly burned caramel with multiple dried fruit notes. Immensely satisfying – if only I’m still around in another 50 years to try this wine that is still full of potential. But it’s giving much more pleasure now than it did 10 years ago (last time I tried it), when the caramel was more subdued.

[Gary Banker]

I also last had the 1948M about ten years ago. It was the best malvazia I had tasted until I had the Favilla Vieira 1920 this year. Rare Wine Company no longer has the 1948M on their stock list. I wonder if Barbeito have any left. Does anyone know what the situation is on the island?