Blandy's, Verdelho, Madeira, Portugal, 1982

Overview of the Wine
Blandy’s distinguishes itself for being the only family, of all the original founders of the Madeira wine trade, which still owns and manages its own original wine company. Throughout its long history on the island, the family has played a leading role in the development of Madeira Wine. The family continues to live in Madeira, thus maintaining a tradition that dates back to 1811 - two centuries and seven generations producing excellent wines.

Grape / Blend
Verdelho

Origin
Madeira, Portugal

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Blandy’s Verdelho 1982 was aged for 41 years in seasoned American oak casks and as with all the family’s vintages, this wine started its ageing process in the warm high attic floors of the lodge in the centre of Funchal. Over the 41 years, the wine passed down from the warmer top floor of the Blandy’s Wine Lodges, the “Sotão de Amendoa” where it spent the first 5 years, to the second floor for 25+ years and finally to the cooler first for the remaining 6 years. The art of finding the right balance between concentration and the freshness of the wine lies in the winemaker’s decision when to transfer the wine to the lower cooler north facing floors of the lodge.

95 Points - Wine Enthusiast
This is pure nuttiness with layers of old fruit. The Madeira is golden in its hue and sense of richness. The wine is deliciously mature and ready to drink.

93 Points - Vinous
The 1982 Verdelho contains 108g/L residual sugar and was aged for 40 years in very old oak casks. Deep amber in color, it has a well-defined, mellow bouquet with mahogany antique bureau, crème brûlée, singed leather and bonfire aromas that cohere nicely in the glass. The palate is very well balanced with fine tannins and just the right amount of acidity to counter that sweet edge on the finish. This feels like an animated Verdelho, with impressive tension and real finesse coming through toward its slight oxidative finish. This is a classy offering. 1,206 bottles produced.

Product size: 500ml