NEW Release at the LCBO : Barbeito Rainwater Madeira
We're excited to have this special Portuguese gem released at the LCBO (check out the incredible vineyards of Barbeito, above).
Read below for details, along with link to purchase.
Vinhos Barbeito 5 Year Old Rainwater Reserva Medium Dry
In this long-lived wine, 80% Tinta Negra and 20% Verdelho aged in French oak casks over 5 years by the traditional Canteiro method, allowing the natural temperature and humidity in the winery’s warehouses to slowly evaporate the water from barrel, and concentrate the remaining wine.
The resulting light golden elixir is rich with light caramel, baked apricot, roasted almonds, tobacco, and candied citrus peel, stretching across a long, fresh, and complete palate. The medium-dry finish lingers long with candied orange peel and subtle smoked chestnuts. Wow - what a wine.
"Throughout my career I have consistently rated some sherries and madeiras in the 'outstanding' 95+ range. With their amazing intensity, complexity and balance they are totally deserving, no matter what 'the market' has to say about their style, popularity and ultimately their price. This is massively high quality. What a great nose, with its blast of woven dried apricot, pumpkin spice, honey, caramel, orange marmalade and fine old barnwood spice. It is full bodied (18%) medium sweet with fine acidity. Quite glycerol and smooth yet maintains a sense of energy and vitality. The length is outstanding. Chill and sip on an autumn evening. Tasted August 2026.” 95 points, David Lawrason, WineAlign.com
"Love at first sip, and quite possibly a one-way ticket to Madeira. This inviting blend of tinta negra and verdelho spends five years aging in French oak via the traditional Canteiro method, slowly concentrating its flavours through evaporation. Dramatic, complex and utterly captivating. A showstopper. Enough said. Tasted August 2026.” 94 points, Sara d'Amato, WineAlign.com
“A return of Barbeito, “fallow land,” or ”resting the soil,” is always an auspicious one. This because of a combination between extreme aromatic profile and crazy, stupid love for quality, complexity, and value. Today the 5-year old Rainwater Madeira Reserva and its medium-dry style is as inviting as ever. The enticement mixes a concentration in dried aromatic fruit and sweet porcine cured meat so devastating to the palate. Hands down best offer in this style of wine. Last tasted August 2026.” 94 points, Michael Godel, WineAlign.com
Read more about Vinhos Barbeito here.
Region : Madeira
Country : Portugal
Grape(s) : Tinta Negra, Verdelho
Price : $18.95 / 500mL
LCBO : 51850
Most of our producers are small, independently owned and operated businesses, like ours. You can view our complete portfolio here. Thank you for letting us share these producers and wines with you.
Cheers,
Le Sommelier
416.603.7026
bernard@lesommelier.com
