(2019) Rather more sherried, compared with the Sercial, with honey and walnut and the palate intensely sweet, pure sweet grape and cherry freshness to the acids, but the 75gl of sugar more apparent.

(2013) 110+g/l RS. Quite a dry, nut husk aromatic, with subtle shellac and nuttiness. The palate has a luscious texture and glycerine richness, that along with moderate sweetness adds to the sense of richness, plenty of orange and lemon zest freshness again.

(2012) Blandy's is the absolute giant of the Madeira wine industry, but their size brings wonderful access to top vineyards and reserves of old wine of course, so is no cause for concern. This Malmsey (a single varietal wine made from Malmsey, otherwise known as Malvasia) was aged in oak casks using the 'Canteiro' method of gently heating the wines in one of Blandy's lodges. It has a tawny/amber colour and nose that's redolent of toffee and stewed figs, green walnuts, leaf-tea and spices. On the palate it is sweet but relatively light-bodied, with those nutty tones and a cleansing acid balance. Perfect with Christmas pud or mince pies.