Barbeito 5 Year Old Malvasia Reserva

This Malvasia comes from vineyards in Arco de São Jorge, and was slowly aged in French oak casks for more than 5 years, via the historic Canteiro method. Pouring a bright golden brown, with candied orange, roasted almonds, golden raisins, sweet pipe tobacco and light smoke which lingers on the lengthy toasted wood finish. Lovely fresh acidity to counter the richness on the palate, keeping this feeling bright and ready for creme caramel or candied chestnuts.

"Barbeito runs on the drier and sharper end of the spectrum for all of the various sweetness categories of Madeira, and this malvasia, the sweetest of Madeiras, is rendered here in its leanest and freshest form, still sweet, but anchored on a seam of electric acidity, and with some firm tannins to further tighten the ensemble. Complexity and depth are exceptional, and complexity is world class. Candied orange, lime and lemon, kumquat, barley, honey, mint and more linger. Serve this chilled with hard or blue cheeses, or game (venison, hung game birds) for a real treat. Tasted January 2019.” - 95 points, John Szabo, MS, WineAlign.com