Madeira Tasting Report - July 21 - Redmond, WA

[Melanie R.]

I attended the Madeira tasting at Fine Wine and Cigars in Redmond. It was a very small affair (3 other tasters were present). Various small bites were served along with the Madeira, but not much direction was given as to what food would go best with which; it was left up to the individual to decide what to try. There were dried apricots, chocolate, Marcona almonds, cheese, and a wonderful appetizer of a cracker topped with proscuitto, spinach, cheese, and jalapeno jelly.

My tasting notes:
Cossart Gordon Rainwater Medium Dry Madeira - Very light caramel color with a clear rim. Nose like a tawny Port; brown sugar. Not as sweet as expected. Acidity, with brown sugar on the finish. Long finish, but fairly water mouthfeel. A little heat about midway through. This paired well with the apricots and cheese that were served.

Blandy's 10-year Dry Sercial - Beer-colored, with a clear rim. Some brown sugar nose, but more spirity. More acidic than the Cossart Gordon, turning to more brown sugar, then goes back to acidic at the end. Makes my mouth water. Tangy acidity at the tip of the tongue.

Leacock's 5-year Madeira - The color of weak coffee, with a tea-colored rim. Smells spirity/hot. A little acidity at first, leading to sweet and nutty pecan, with a little baking spice (?). Warm and mouthwatering finish. Yum! (My favorite Madeira of the tasting).

Broadbent Madeira (Malmsey 10-year old) - Just slightly darker brown than the Leacock's, with a lighter rim. Very weird nose, almost fruity (other tasters said passionfruit, but I don't really know what passionfruit smells like). On the palate, it first tastes just like the nose, weird tropical fruit and acidity at the tip of the tongue, then a little brown sugar, then mouthwatering acidity. Not sure whether I like this one. Weird.

The tasting was a good experience and I'd be willing to try more Madeiras. Based on this tasting, it seems I prefer Ports to Madeiras, but I'm pretty sure I could enjoy the sweeter and nuttier Madeiras too.

[Roy Hersh]

Nice tasting notes. Did the Broadbent seem like it was "off" or just strange?

I hope you told the other tasters to come visit us here ... as our local ambassador?

[Melanie R.]

Thanks! I can't say whether the Broadbent was off or not, since I have never had it, but if I had to guess I'd say it was just the character of the wine.

Sorry, I don't know why it didn't occur to me to advocate for FTLOP at the time. I'll try to remember next time!