92pts Wine Enthusiast

A rich, enticingly sweet Madeira has a well-integrated combination of wine and spirit. It is intense, maturing well and could be ready now. 

90pts Decanter

Malvasia is the sweetest grape grown on Madeira and this comes from São Jorge, now the source of most Malmsey wine. Mid-deep amber colour with a gentle dried fig character and a hint of malt whisky on the nose. Dried fruit richness – dates and raisins – with some gently curried spice, the acidity cutting through and rising to leave a sweet, sub-tropical yet mouth-watering finish. The sweetness (112g/l residual sugar) makes this good at the end of a meal with mature cheese, a crème brûlée or treacle tart.

Wine & Spirits, 2023 Top 100 Winery of the Year

Tasting Notes

Amber, clear and bright, with golden nuances. A characteristic nose, with notes of jams and sweet crystallized fruits, brioche and honey. The palate is sweet, rich and velvety, but with some freshness, leaving a long finish with warm notes of marmalade and spices.

Excellent as an digestive, pairs well fruitcakes, biscuits with cream, crème brûlée.

The Malmsey grape is found predominantly in the region of São Jorge on the north of the Madeira island. Possibly the most well-known o the noble varieties, the grape has high levels of both sugar and acidity – a perfect combination for this rich style of Madeira.

Winemaker Notes

Blandy’s Malmsey 2010 was aged for 13 years in seasoned American oak casks and as with all the family’s vintages, this wine started its aging process in the warm high attic floors of the lodge in the center of Funchal. Over the 13 years, the wine passed down from the warmer top floor of the Blandy’s Wine Lodges, the “Sotão de Amendoa” to the cooler first for the remaining 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.

This wine should be stored upright in a dark room with constant temperature, ideally no higher than 61ºF. As the wine is completely stabilized, it is recommended to pull the cork at least 2 day before enjoying this wine. Decanting will help remove any deposit that may have occurred in bottle over time. This wine should be enjoyed chilled.

Winery Notes

The Blandy’s family is unique for being the only family of all the original founders of the Madeira wine trade to still own and manage their original wine company. The family has played a leading role in the development of Madeira wine since the early nineteenth century. Blandy’s Madeira remains totally dedicated to the traditions, care, and craftsmanship of Madeira Wine for over 200 years.