Spotlight
on Madeira
Madeira
Wine Company
Rua dos Ferreiros 191,
9000-082 Funchal, Madeira
Tel: +351 291 740 100 Fax: +351 291 740 101
Website: www.blandy.com
Now the largest of the Madeira
companies, since bulk exports were outlawed (previously Justinhos led
the way in volume), the Madeira Wine Company has an array of famous
brands including Blandys and Cossart Gordon. I tried a selection of
wines here which varied from the adequate to the superb. UK agent is
John E Fells (01442 870900), and many of these wines are quite widely
distributed.
Blandys 10 year old Dry
Sercial
Mid orange–brown colour. The light palate shows some nutty
flavours. A bit simple and dilute with an odd finish. Disappointing.
Good/very good 79/100
Cossart Gordon 1990 Colheita
Verdelho
Nice tarry, nutty nose with some lemony freshness. The palate
shows lively acidity and fresh herby, nutty fruit. Long finish with a
nice bitter tang. Very good/excellent 90/100
Blandys Alvada 5 year old
Rich Madeira
Deep brown coloured. Raisiny, nutty nose. Rich raisined palate
with a soft texture and spicy edge. Sweet and appealing if perhaps a
little simple. Very good+ 86/100
Cossart Gordon 1990 Bual
Colheita
Mid orange–brown colour. Nice nutty, caramelly fruit with good
balancing acidity. Elegant with a long finish – the sweetness is
nicely balanced with the appealing bitterness. Very good+ 89/100
Blandys Bual 1958
Deep brown colour. Complex spicy, raisiny, tarry nose. The palate
is concentrated and nutty with great balance between the rich, sweet
fruit and the acidity. Complex spicy finish. Great length and richness
– a brilliant wine. Very good/excellent 94/100
Blandys 1996 Harvest Colheita
Malmsey
Deep orange–brown colour. This shows soft, rich sweet toffee and
raisin richness nicely balanced by the acidity. Harmonious and rich
textured, this is tasty stuff. Very good+ 89/100
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