Madeira is an island in Portugal that is in the Atlantic Ocean. The region has been making Madeira fortified wine since the 15th century and the early days of exploration. The island was a port of call for ships that were heading to the East Indies, or the New World.
Madeira wines were taken on board and added to existing wine barrels in order to improve the quality during the long voyages at sea. The heat in the ship's hold dramatically improved the wine, and made it richer and more complex. This was actually discovered when an unsold shipment of wine came back to Madeira after a round trip and was even better upon its return.
The climate on the islands is oceanic with tropical influences and produces four types of grapes. The average temperature is 66°. The landscape is volcanic and mountainous and is quite difficult to cultivate. Vineyards are planted on red and basaltic bedrock man-made terraces that are called poios. Mechanical harvesting is almost impossible making cultivation costly on the island. Unfortunately, because of tourism, many vineyards have been ripped up to make way for commercial resorts, as the tourist trade is much more lucrative than wine making.
Carmo Vinhos Madeira Bual 10 Yr has depth, medium body, acidity and sweetness. Lively and full with delicious flavors of caramel and toffee and a lasting aftertaste. Delicious as a dessert wine. This wine demonstrates the perfection of the blender's art and is to be savored.
Carmo Vinhos Madeira Malmsey 10 Yr is richest style of Madeira. With a deep amber color, this intense wine has a complex flavor of walnuts, dried fruits, coffee and caramel. Full body hiding the acidity and a very long finish. An excellent accompaniment to coffee.
A light pale, dry wine, which is best served well chilled or on the rocks or even as a long drink with tonic. A fragrant delicate wine that is crisply dry and fruity. It makes a perfect aperitif to accompany canapés.
Carmo Vinhos Madeira Sercial 10 Yr is the driest style of Madeira, a light bodied wine with a distinctive nutty nose. An excellent apertif. The concentration at this age has produced a very attractive and interesting wine, with a long finish.
Carmo Vinhos Madeira Verdejo 10 Yr an amber medium dry wine with medium body and acidity. Rich aroma and flavor of dried fruits, nuts and caramel, showing a vibrant character, lengthy and well balanced. An excellent aperitif or as an accompaniment to pates.
Domaine Chavy Chouet Meursault Les Narvaux is made from 100% Chardonnay from extremely steep vineyards.
Les Narvaux in Meursault sits at the top of the slope on a steep, shallow, limestone plot.
TW Tasting notes: A lively and balanced wine with aromas of white-fleshed fruit. It offers hints of toasted almond on the nose and is very long on the palate. Mineral and energetic, it will only open up fully after a few years in the cellar. In the top 5 of my top Meursault picks.
60 Year old vine
Ageing: 12 months in French oak barrels (20% new)Planting density: 10000
Surface area: 0.5Ha
Matthews Winery Columbia Valley Cuvee is made from 65% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec.
The 2021 Columbia Valley Cuvée sparkles with purple and deep garnet in the glass. Meadow flowers, fresh red berry, black plum, and cocoa powder aromas exhilarate leading to flavors of morello cherry liqueur, cardamom, mountain blackberry, and licorice snaps. This merlot-dominant blend is plush and weighty on the palate with powdery tannins. Dark stone fruits and dusty minerality coat the palate for a long, seamless finish.
Reviews:
A handsome blend, structured and polished, with expressive black cherry flavors accented by tarragon, mocha espresso and toasty spices that sail toward refined tannins. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Drink now through 2031.
-Wine Spectator 93 Points
This Merlot-based blend is a part of the Matthews tradition. Wildly fruity aromatics with whole berries, destemmed aromas driven by red berries, mountain blueberries, and a touch of green peppercorn and mocha dust. A streak of graphite underlines red berries, early season blackberries and a savoury herbal character that mingles complexity with fresh ripe fruits.
-Decanter 93 Points