Blandy's 1981 Malmsey was aged for 37 years in old American oak casks in the traditional "Canteiro" system. The wine was regularly racked and when it had reached its peak, the winemaker, Francisco Albuquerque, presented it to the tasting panel in December 2018 for final approval.
Amber color with green reflexes, crystalline and bright. On the nose has an exuberant characteristic bouquet, notes of exotic wood, toasted confectionery with candied fruit, spices and smoked notes. Sweet, smooth and dense. Good concentration with excellent freshness, long aftertaste of brandy, spices and honey.
Reviews
Alluring, with singed almond and hazelnut notes leading off, followed by a range of sandalwood, green tea, date, bergamot and persimmon flavors. A hint of bitterness from the persimmon extends the finish, adding mouthwatering cut and bringing you back for more.
Offering up aromas of candied dates, warm spices, cigar smoke, candied peel and aromatic wood, the 1981 Malmsey is medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with an elegantly satiny attack, good depth at the sweet but attractively savory core and a long, penetrating but subtly drying finish.