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Spotlight on Madeira 
Madeira Wine Company

Rua dos Ferreiros 191, 9000-082 Funchal, Madeira
Tel: +351 291 740 100 Fax: +351 291 740 101
Website: www.blandy.com

Now the largest of the Madeira companies, since bulk exports were outlawed (previously Justinhos led the way in volume), the Madeira Wine Company has an array of famous brands including Blandys and Cossart Gordon. I tried a selection of wines here which varied from the adequate to the superb. UK agent is John E Fells (01442 870900), and many of these wines are quite widely distributed.

Blandys 10 year old Dry Sercial
Mid orange–brown colour. The light palate shows some nutty flavours. A bit simple and dilute with an odd finish. Disappointing. Good/very good 79/100

Cossart Gordon 1990 Colheita Verdelho
Nice tarry, nutty nose with some lemony freshness. The palate shows lively acidity and fresh herby, nutty fruit. Long finish with a nice bitter tang. Very good/excellent 90/100

Blandys Alvada 5 year old Rich Madeira
Deep brown coloured. Raisiny, nutty nose. Rich raisined palate with a soft texture and spicy edge. Sweet and appealing if perhaps a little simple. Very good+ 86/100

Cossart Gordon 1990 Bual Colheita
Mid orange–brown colour. Nice nutty, caramelly fruit with good balancing acidity. Elegant with a long finish – the sweetness is nicely balanced with the appealing bitterness. Very good+ 89/100

Blandys Bual 1958
Deep brown colour. Complex spicy, raisiny, tarry nose. The palate is concentrated and nutty with great balance between the rich, sweet fruit and the acidity. Complex spicy finish. Great length and richness – a brilliant wine. Very good/excellent 94/100

Blandys 1996 Harvest Colheita Malmsey
Deep orange–brown colour. This shows soft, rich sweet toffee and raisin richness nicely balanced by the acidity. Harmonious and rich textured, this is tasty stuff. Very good+ 89/100

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