For The Love Of Port

[Cross-posted; this is also in a port-wine thread because we opened the wine next to some 1955 ports.... sorry if I was supposed to sort it out more carefully!]

1955 Barbietto Velha Madiera Bual 1955 (bottled by Rare Wine Company 2002). Pale burnt-orange with a pale yellow rim. Nose shows high levels of VA, almost vinegary. Faint aromas of grilled nuts, toffee, but fairly inexpressive. Empty glass has a striking nose of shellac, but I don't really get that when there is much wine in the glass... go figure... In the mouth, rich and still somewhat sweet, with coffee and nutty flavors and a long seamless finish. 92.

It seems to me that you may not be very experienced with Madeira. I say that but not in a derogatory way. You seem surprised by the VA in this particular wine and I am positive that you are correct that it was not only present, but prominent. Such is the case with just about all great Madeiras. In some wines VA is rightfully considered a fault. For lovers of Madeira it is a trademark quality and I have yet to experience a single top notch bottle in which it did not come to the fore. This is one of those things that turn off some people to the wine, the way that a spiritous character may do so for people who try Port, and don't like it. But if you can't get past VA, I don't think you will ever appreciate Madeira to the fullest. It is an acquired taste and smell that not everyone tends to like.