TN: NV Unknown Madeira

[Stewart T.]

• NV Unknown Madeira - Portugal, Madeira (1/20/2023)
  Unknown Madeira. This wine is believed to be from the mid-1800s. This Madeira came from a demijohn that was part of the Liberty Hall Museum discovery in 2015. Liberty Hall, located on the campus of Kean University in Union, New Jersey, was home to many prominent historical figures, including Alexander Hamilton. It began its conversion from a residence to a museum in 1949. As part of renovations in 2015, a wall was removed and a treasure trove was discovered – cases of Madeira from 1796, gin, whiskey, and other liquors. Forty demijohns of Madeira from the 1820s were also discovered in the attic. Some of the collection went up for auction at Christie’s, and my friend Eric managed to win a half-full, five-gallon demijohn of Madeira that simply had an attached label that read “Old Madeira.” All of the other bottles in the collection were from around the mid-1800s, so that is likely also the age of this wine. Eric provided a sample of this wine to a well-regarded Madeira producer, who thought it was likely a blend of Verdelho and Sercial grapes.
  Aromas of dried nuts, saline, and dried orange slices. This is a medium-dry style with lively acidity and good complexity. The wine has a rich flavor profile, with toasted nuts, dried figs, orange spices, and a touch of almond skin bitterness. Great long finish. This wine is surprisingly smooth for a Madeira this old – not the concentrated, reductive characteristics that are common for Madeiras with this much age.
  
  https://www.christies.com/features/One- ... 451-3.aspx (95 pts.)

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