Date Tasted: 12/2020

Madeira, both the wine and the island, hold unique places in the history of wine. The reason is that for the final wine style that exists today, two different discoveries took place. 

Firstly, because the early Madeira wines lacked the structure and stability required to survive long sea voyages, it discovered that an addition of high-proof spirit solved this problem. 

Secondly, through those long hot voyages, it discovered that the wines acquired complex and desirable flavours. 

In the mid-17th Century, the island became a key supply station for ships and the demand for Madeira's wines boomed. But now, the high cost, coupled with changes in wine fashion and consumer preference, has led to a dramatic decline in Madeira's popularity.

The cost of making Madeira wine is very high due to the island's remote location and rugged terrain, combined with tiny scales of production and extensive ageing processes. So, the high prices do not result from prestige or of the relationship between supply and demand.

Appearance: The colour is medium tawny. 

Nose: It is intense, rich and expressive, with a mix of roasted nuts, chocolate and spices. 

Palate: It is sweet, round and soft, with high acidity, high tannins, and a long super complex aftertaste. Just delicious!

Drink or Hold: Open now, and no worry about anything. Oxygen cannot affect those wines. 

Food Pairing: Be careful since the bottle can end up quickly, especially if you pair it with chocolate. Any chocolate would match perfectly, even with nuts etc.

Points: 89

Name: Madeira Finest Full Rich 5 Years Old

Producer: Henriques & Henriques

Variety: Tinta Negra Mole

Vintage: NV

Region: DOC Madeira, Portugal 

Alcohol: 19%

Retail Price: 18€

Serving temperature: 14-16 C°

Drink it until the end of your life or even more.