NV Broadbent - Madeira Malmsey 10 yr

Bartholomew Broadbent founded Broadbent Selections in 1996, following the passion of his father, celebrated wine critic Michael Broadbent, who called Madeira his desert island wine and helped source the earliest barrels and shape the house style. After more than a decade spent building the American market for Port, Bartholomew set out to create a Madeira line capable of standing alongside the island's finest. His wines are produced in collaboration with Justino's, one of Madeira's most established houses, which handles the winemaking on Broadbent's behalf using stocks that often run well beyond the stated age.

This Malmsey is made from Malvasia grapes and, per Madeira regulation, the ten-year designation reflects only the youngest wine in the blend, meaning much of what's in the bottle is considerably older. After fermentation and fortification with grape spirit, the wine develops through the Canteiro system, resting in oak casks as the natural heat of the aging lodge slowly concentrates and deepens its character over years rather than through artificial ovens.

The wine shows an old gold color and a rich, figgy bouquet of dried dates, brown sugar, and toasted pecans. On the palate it is full bodied and sweet, with citrus acidity cutting through a fleshy core of raisin and caramel, finishing long and warm with a honeyed edge. It makes a satisfying pour on its own after dinner, and also pairs nicely with dark chocolate torte or a bowl of roasted nuts.