For The Love Of Port

N.V. Rare Wine Co. (Vinhos Barbeito) Madeira Historic Series New Orleans Special Reserve - Portugal, Madeira (5/26/2010)
This note is on the new 2010 version of this wine. Ruby / amber color. It has a definite yellow rim. I don't even have to smell it... it looks like Madeira. Very nice inviting nose. It's on the more floral side of Madeira and not the heavy VA side. There is some VA (which I think is important), but the nose is not dominated by it. A little heavier than a Terrantez - which this wine is trying to emulate. My initial thoughts are a Bual on the dry side. Very clean and drinkable. I wish it had more acid and maybe a bit more power on entry. But it's nice, just a bit indistinct. I like the overall style, just wish it had more acid grip in the finish. Medium length finish. Nice, but over priced for what it is. (88 pts.)



Posted from CellarTracker

Thanks for the note David. Did you decant? Do you have more to try on day 2, 3, ...

I did not decant. Served slightly chilled. I have plenty to taste and will continue to add to the note over the coming days.

Wow, we almost never are spot on with our scores David, but I was right with you there at 88 pts. A good wine but not nearly the excellence of the first bottling.

Quite the shame to her it's not quite up to the first one, especially given the price. As soon as my crazy work month ends I'll crack one of mine open.

Day 2 - A bit more VA in the nose. A touch more weight and bit bit more citrus. More integrated. Maybe 89 Points, but no more.
-Dave-

I think you nailed it the first time.

Day 3 and 4 - lost a bit of character. A bit more VA, but really soft now. Personally I found it uninteresting. I get the impression that this wine needs drinking up. 84 Points.

Wow, sad to hear it couldn't handle a few days. Wonder if that is due to all the TN in the cuvee? Personally, I doubt it, but otherwise, why should this be deteriorating after just a few days? Very odd.

Yeah, I don't know. I wouldn't say it's falling apart, but it is changing. I probably had the wine too cold on day 3 & 4. I had some more tonight. The mid-palate has lost some punchyand there is a coarseness in the finish along with a lot of acid, that makes it a bit harse. Don't get me wrong - I like a lot of acid in my Madeira, but this is hard to drink now. This has been stored in the refrigerator, so I don't know if that makes a difference. It was best on day 1 and 2. I wonder if this wine is just too young or shocked and needs some time.

I opened a bottle and am on my first glass. But so far David's TN is pretty spot on. While pleasant it really seems to lack pizazz with such low acidity and well, a lack of complexity. The finish is probably its best attribute where the acidity and dried nuts show best. Although only the first glass, so far I agree this is overpriced. I think their $40 Historic Series Bual and Malvesia are better than this. I'm a little more conservative than David and at this point I'll give this
87 Points

Andy Velebil wrote:I'm a little more conservative than David and at this point I'll give this 87 Points

conservative?? Aren't you the guy who always gives everything 99+!

David Spriggs wrote:

Andy Velebil wrote:I'm a little more conservative than David and at this point I'll give this 87 Points

conservative?? Aren't you the guy who always gives everything 99+!

I prefer 100* Bawhaaa