SANDEMAN MADEIRA, Portugal

The dried fruit aromas hit you right away, and it's surprisingly smooth for the price. A lovely sipper that finishes clean without being too sharp.

The color is really beautiful in the glass, a deep amber with golden edges that catch the light. I found the dried fruit aromas come through nicely without being overpowering, and the smooth finish makes it very easy to sip slowly.

Opened this on a rainy evening and the smooth, lightly acidic finish made it dangerously easy to keep sipping. That amber glow in the glass is stunning, and the rich dried-fruit nose is exactly what I hoped for. This one's earned a permanent spot on my shelf.