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 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.
Scattered Peaks Small Lot Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon.
The wine displays amazingly deep dark color. Aromas include dark, ripe cherries with a touch of cassis, licorice and brambly sage. The new French oak adds a bit of mocha toastiness. On the palate the wine is very powerful with firm but approachable tannins, great complexity and a long finish.
Review:
Celebrated winemaker Joel Aiken is at his best with this masterfully crafted red sourced from both Morisoli Vineyard in Rutherford and Ridge Vineyard on Howell Mountain. Concentrated notes of cedar, slate, and a slathering of grainy-textured dark chocolate meld with black cherry and plum. Sophisticated and regally structured.
- Tasting Panel 96 Points
Guillemot-Michel Vire Clesse is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
Beautifully expressive, with yellow fruits, orange blossom, smoke & flint. Thick and saline on entry, then seriously deep in the mid-palate, with suggestions of exotic fruits perfectly countered by strong minerality. This wine strikes a perfect balance between sweet and salty elements, and it shows vibrant acidity. It boasts a thickness that few other northern Mâconnais can match.
Enjoy with fish (such as sole meuniere), seafood, roasted chicken, goat cheese.