Portugal — wine

Madeira DOC

The island of Madeira, 1000km southwest of Lisbon, produces one of the world's most unique and long-lived wines. Madeira's volcanic soils, humid Atlantic climate, and unique estufagem or canteiro heating process create fortified wines of extraordinary complexity and near-immortal longevity. The classic varieties — Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, and Malmsey — define distinct styles from bone dry to lusciously sweet.

Year Rating Notes
2020 Fresh year producing elegant wines with Madeira's characteristic mineral backbone.
2018 A fine modern vintage demonstrating Madeira's consistent quality from volcanic soils.
2015 Excellent ripeness levels across all varieties; particularly successful for Malmsey.
2010 Fine vintage showing good balance between fruit and Madeira's characteristic acidity.
2005 A legendary year across all styles; wines of remarkable concentration and longevity.
2000 Beginning to show the complexity and oxidative depth that defines mature Madeira.