Blandy's Verdelho Madeira 1880

Salty and seaweedy on the nose then nutty with notes of hazelnut and almond joined by a bit of animal glue. This evolves well revealing smoky, tarry,m anise tones with a touch of spearmint lingering above it all. Round and lush in the mouth with lovely integration. The mid-palate is juicy with lots of dark spice notes up front then preserved/dried orchard fruits across the mid-palate with a very nervous finish hinting gently of bay leaf. 92pts

December 2008

Fruity and floral on the nose with a minor hop tone. Notes of green hazelnuts and evasive suggestions of red fruit add detail and deoth though this turns decidedly more autumnal with a bit of decaying logs, earth, and a suggestion of tootsie roll. A touch sweet and climsy in the mouth with a solid, dark fruit character tinged with cocoa. Solid length but lacking complexity. 87pts

December 2008