TN: Rare Wine Company Imperial Malmsey

[Eric Ifune]

Been waiting to try this.
The Rare Wine Company released this last year. It was produced and bottled by the late John Cossart at Henriques&Henriques. The back label is a memorial to Mr. Cossart by Mannie Berk.
Has a tee-top type cork. Not decanted, but opened and recorked over several days.
Initially, quite dark. Deep bronze color with a coppery patinaed green rim.
Quite a bit of VA. Very intense malvasia aromas. Butter toffee, caramel, dried fruits. Not particularly powerful on the palate. Lots of acidity. Nice balance. Very long. An elegant malmsey.
The next day, the VA is less apparent. This has deepened and gotten richer. Still with excellent balance and length. I like this.
The third day is a bit richer and more integrated than the second. Still love the acidity.
This is not an inexpensive wine, but I would love to keep a bottle of this around for a glass from time to time.

[Marco D.]

Thanks for "taking one for the team". I'm still waiting to take delivery of this. Glad to hear it's quality juice.

[Gary Banker]

I nearly bought some of this before Christmas when RWC had the 10% off sale, but the D'Oliveira 1912V pushed me over the limit. After Eric's report, I know I'll have to get some this year. Ah well, that gives me something to look forward to.

[Eric Ifune]

Gary,
If you got the 1912 D'Oliveria Verdelho instead, you most certainly didn't do badly!

[Eric Ifune]

Had another glass a week after opening.
This is the best it's shown. Still excellent length and acidity but it is better integrated. I guess this would benefit from decanting despite being recently bottled. The air has really brought it around.

[Andy Velebil]

Eric,
Whats the history behind the this bottle. It's one I am not familar with and curious as to how it's different from their Historic Series Malmsey.

[Gary Banker]

Andy,

RWC collaborated with John Cossart to develop a wine for the RWC series from H&H wine stock. The production and sale of the wine were delayed because of Cossart's death.

Go to the RWC newsletter archive and download the 7 Oct 08 issue for the details.

I really do have to get some.

[Andy Velebil]

Thanks Gary...It is a tad pricey compared to their other RWC series, thats for sure.

[Eric Ifune]

It's several times more expensive than the Historic Series Malmsey. It is a better wine, but I guess it's up to each individual to say whether or not it's worth the extra money. I haven't had them side by side; but I'm glad to have some of both.

[Marco D.]

I finally got a chance to try this wine, and enjoyed it quite a bit... Lovely example of Malmsey, in that although there is obvious sweetness, there is a firm acidic streak that attenuates any cloying attributes. Much like the other Rare Wine Company Madeiras I've tried, there is a pleasing firmness here. Noticable volatile acidity, but not distracting. Persistant "cling" on the tangy, lip-smacking, slightly "fudgy" palate. Delicious. Gets better with each passing day.

[Andy Velebil]

I recently picked up a bottle of this and I can't wait t give it a go soon. TN to come when I try it.

[Gary Banker]

Has anyone else tried this lately? It sounds as though it will continue to evolve if left open. The reviews have been pretty good, so, after getting an e-mail from RWC, I ordered some.

Andy,

It's probably too hot in SoCal for madeira. If you send it this way, Dan and I could put it to good use and lift the responsibility from your shoulders for doing the TN.

[Andy Velebil]

Has anyone else tried this lately? It sounds as though it will continue to evolve if left open. The reviews have been pretty good, so, after getting an e-mail from RWC, I ordered some.

Andy,

It's probably too hot in SoCal for madeira. If you send it this way, Dan and I could put it to good use and lift the responsibility from your shoulders for doing the TN.

nice try its cooling down so hope to open it soon

[Gary Banker]

I finally opened one of these last week. A delicious wine that improved over several days. I didn't notice the strong acidity that Eric reported. I suppose I'll have to get some more.

Andy,

Based on the 15 months that I once spent at the Presidio of Monterey, I think that it's definitely not a "California" style of wine, so my offer still stands.

[Andy Velebil]

Andy,

Based on the 15 months that I once spent at the Presidio of Monterey, I think that it's definitely not a "California" style of wine, so my offer still stands.

Nice try Gary

Work has been very busy with me making a long commute for a 2-week training class I'm in so I haven't had time to crack this open yet. But I do hope so soon. It's sitting on my bar and has been calling my name for some time now.

[Eric Guido]

Glad I stumbled upon this thread, I just bought this bottle today to be opened in Mid December. It was completely on recommendation by RWC for someone who is not well versed in Madeira. Sounds like I'm in for a serious treat.

Would you guys recommend a decant or just letting it air out open in bottle the day before the tasting?

[Daniel Fraley]

Just found two bottles on the Brown Derby. The site had them marked down from $149 down to $99. What did they retail for when RWC first released?

[Gary Banker]

According to the RWC newsletter from 7 October 2008, the original price was $125.

[Steve Shapiro]

We've been fortunate to enjoy this wine a few times. Decanted 4 days before being served. Very dark, but lighter than 1907 D’Oliveira Malvasia served simultaneously. Torrefaction on nose, plus plum/prune. Quite rich, with molasses and Asian spices. Good acidity for balance, and moderately long finish. Delicious, but lacking a little complexity for a higher score. 17.5. My number 6 of 9 malvasias with dinner. (1/13).

[Eric Ifune]

I opened another one after New Years.
Not the acidity I remember, nor the VA. This was a dense, rich Malvasia which drank well soon after opening.