We love offering older bottles of Madeira as they are one of the most age-worthy wines in existence and typically never turn. We have a rare selection here today from Cossart Gordon & Co., the oldest producer of Madeira, which is still in operation. Established in 1745, this partnership of three Scottish visionaries supplied the world with the finest Madeira's. Colonial America was the top consumer of Madeira and was the celebratory beverage of choice, beating out Champagne at the time, making this a historic beverage. It was even so popular that it was poured at the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The higher quality Madeira during that time was dubbed "American Madeira" due to our love for this fortified wine.
The island of Madeira experienced some challenges and hardships with phylloxera, as well as being cut off during the Second World War, putting many producers out of business. Cossart Gordon was one of the few who weathered the storm and continued the operation to this day, and over the years, we have had some great successes come from their cellars.
This single-harvest Madeira spent 39 years in an American oak cask before it was bottled in 2004. Age has honed this into a fine example using the 'Canteiro' system, whereby the casks were gradually transferred from the top floors of the lodge (aging room), where it is naturally warmer, to the middle floors and eventually to the ground floor where it is cooler a process that replicates the way that Maderia naturally aged when traveling on boats. The wine was regularly racked, and when it reached the desired stage of maturity, it was bottled with only 2,667 made.
Verdelho is a white grape varietal characterized by its moderate acidity and versatile flavor profile. Verdelho wines are known for their medium to full-bodied structure with notes of citrus, stone fruit, and a hint of spice. The grape's adaptability allows winemakers to produce a range of styles, from dry to off-dry and even sweet. Verdelho is less widely planted than some other Madeira grape varieties, though its popularity has been on the rise, and it is cultivated in most of the same areas as more popular varietals like Malvasia and Sercial. This is an incredibly balanced, stunning example, showing just the right amount of sweetness to tie this complex beauty together. We have low pricing on this one today, and it's a fantastic holiday bottle, gift, or birthday bottle for anyone turning 50 next year. It is certainly something special to pop and can last for months while it is already open. We have a limited amount at this great price, and it's highly recommended!
Decanter (Richard Mayson) 98 pts! Tasted 97-2022, "Made during the verão quente (‘hot summer’) of the Portuguese revolution from grapes grown Madeira’s cooler north coast: mid-deep amber with a reddish glint; very expressive, lifted but still tight-knit on the nose, classic dried fruit (figs, raisins, Elvas plum), nuts, hickory and exotic, peppery spices, perhaps a bit funky but awe-inspiring complexity; savoury, mouthfilling yet taut, seemingly off-dry yet rich and intense with a wonderfully spicy, slightly saline finish. Idiosyncratic undoubtedly but a ‘wow’ of a wine to savour. (Drink between 2022 - 2122)"
1975 Cossart Gordon & Co. Madeira Verdelho Eta Late November 2024
1975 Cossart Gordon & Co. Madeira Verdelho Eta Late November 2024
We love offering older bottles of Madeira as they are one of the most age-worthy wines in existence and typically never turn. We have a rare selection here today from Cossart Gordon & Co., the oldest producer of Madeira, which is still in operation. Established in 1745, this partnership of three Scottish visionaries supplied the world with the finest Madeira's. Colonial America was the top consumer of Madeira and was the celebratory beverage of choice, beating out Champagne at the time, making this a historic beverage. It was even so popular that it was poured at the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The higher quality Madeira during that time was dubbed "American Madeira" due to our love for this fortified wine.
The island of Madeira experienced some challenges and hardships with phylloxera, as well as being cut off during the Second World War, putting many producers out of business. Cossart Gordon was one of the few who weathered the storm and continued the operation to this day, and over the years, we have had some great successes come from their cellars.
This single-harvest Madeira spent 39 years in an American oak cask before it was bottled in 2004. Age has honed this into a fine example using the 'Canteiro' system, whereby the casks were gradually transferred from the top floors of the lodge (aging room), where it is naturally warmer, to the middle floors and eventually to the ground floor where it is cooler a process that replicates the way that Maderia naturally aged when traveling on boats. The wine was regularly racked, and when it reached the desired stage of maturity, it was bottled with only 2,667 made.
Verdelho is a white grape varietal characterized by its moderate acidity and versatile flavor profile. Verdelho wines are known for their medium to full-bodied structure with notes of citrus, stone fruit, and a hint of spice. The grape's adaptability allows winemakers to produce a range of styles, from dry to off-dry and even sweet. Verdelho is less widely planted than some other Madeira grape varieties, though its popularity has been on the rise, and it is cultivated in most of the same areas as more popular varietals like Malvasia and Sercial. This is an incredibly balanced, stunning example, showing just the right amount of sweetness to tie this complex beauty together. We have low pricing on this one today, and it's a fantastic holiday bottle, gift, or birthday bottle for anyone turning 50 next year. It is certainly something special to pop and can last for months while it is already open. We have a limited amount at this great price, and it's highly recommended!
Decanter (Richard Mayson) 98 pts! Tasted 97-2022, "Made during the verão quente (‘hot summer’) of the Portuguese revolution from grapes grown Madeira’s cooler north coast: mid-deep amber with a reddish glint; very expressive, lifted but still tight-knit on the nose, classic dried fruit (figs, raisins, Elvas plum), nuts, hickory and exotic, peppery spices, perhaps a bit funky but awe-inspiring complexity; savoury, mouthfilling yet taut, seemingly off-dry yet rich and intense with a wonderfully spicy, slightly saline finish. Idiosyncratic undoubtedly but a ‘wow’ of a wine to savour. (Drink between 2022 - 2122)"
