1981 Verdelho Frasqueira - Vinhos Barbeito Madeira

Barbeito is a relatively young producer of Madeira (they were founded in 1946), yet due to the foresight of it's founder, they have some of the most extensive stocks of old vintage Madeira in the world. The 1981 Verdelho Frasqueira is a wine that is almost 30 years old, yet it is still in the early stages of development. 'Frasqueira' translates loosely as 'liquor cabinet' indicating that this is top shelf wine meant to impress guests. This amber colored wine is lean and dry with abundant aromas and flavors of toasted walnuts and almonds. The barest whiff of sweet fruit character comes and goes, just barely perceptible on the palate.