I have purchased a bottle of Madeira from 1860 to celebrate my parents' retirement. I have noticed some debris, sediment and an almost syrup like substance as I rotate the bottle.

My question is: Do I disturb the bottle and filter it or just let it rest and decant it?
The wine shop will refund my money if the wine is bad but I'm really hoping to enjoy it.

Any help from someone experienced would be much appreciated.

Thanks - Mike

I'd let it rest at a 45 degree angle. That way, ALL the sediment falls to the bottom edge of one side & easier to decant. Some people say that a coffee filter imparts an off-taste. The syrup is OK & probably the wine color that has separated from the liquid(it's 150 years old, after all.).

I'd also bring a current-release half bottle for comparison.

Thanks for the info! I'll let you know how it works out.