(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.