Rare Wine Company, 'Historic Series New York' Malmsey, Madeira, Portugal, NV

Overview of the Wine
The Rare Wine Co is recognized as one of America’s premier wine merchants, in the dual roles of national importer and retailer. We represent more than thirty iconic producers exclusively for either California or the U.S. We also vigorously champion several dozen others whose wines and philosophy we deeply admire, and support our belief in them with an unparalleled library of wines dating back decades.

Finally, over the past quarter century, we have been fierce advocates for wines and regions we believed were neglected in the world spotlight. Thanks in part to our work, wines ranging from Chablis and Cote Rotie to old Champagne and traditional Rioja enjoy far more prestige today than they did when we founded our company.

We have even helped restore to prominence wines threatened with virtual extinction. Today, both Madeira and traditionally made Barolo are thriving in part because of The Rare Wine Co.’s passionate advocacy. And, through our pioneering work with estate-grown Tuscan olive oil, we’ve established new standards for the selection and care of extra virgin olive oil, regardless of its origin.

Grape / Blend
Malmsey

Origin
Madeira, Portugal

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The New York has the deep color and classic toffee/caramel notes that define Malmsey. It’s a perfect wine with which to finish a meal, or with rich desserts, including chocolate.

The RWC Historic Series represents a close collaboration between The Rare Wine Co. and Vinhos Barbeito. First conceived in 1998, the goal from the beginning was to produce a series of affordable varietal Madeiras that possess the magical qualities of great Vintage Madeira. Each wine is made up 85% of the stated varietal, selected from parcels of wine 10 to 20 years old. The remaining 15% is very old Tinta Negro Mole, 40 to 60 years of age, which gives the wines much of their aged vintage character. Each wine is named for an American seaport where Madeira was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. The labels feature early engravings and historic information, further evoking a sense of Madeira’s towering importance in American history.

96 Points - James Suckling
Dense and rich with a wide spectrum of baked apricot, caramelized orange and dried date character. And behind this is a huge structure with great acidity that keeps it very straight on the expansive yet energetic palate. Stunning length and nutty complexity at super-long finish. Drink or hold.

92 Points - Vinous
Medium amber. Powerfully scented bouquet combines cherry compote, cola, molasses, pipe tobacco and brown sugar. Lush and expansive in the mouth, offering sweet pit fruit and orange marmalade flavors and a deeper note of espresso. Clings tenaciously on the finish, which leaves notes of bitter cherry and candied flowers behind.

91 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Rich and exotic, the NV New York Malmsey (Rare Wine Company) mingles aromas of gingerbread and cloves with notions of Christmas pudding, molasses and figs. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated, it's fleshy and muscular, with lively balancing acids and a long, lusty and generously spiced finish. This would work beautifully with rich desserts.

Product size: 500ml