Cossart Gordon Bual 2005
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Wine Enthusiast
Chocolate and coffee aromas go with the characteristic burnt character of a rich Madeira. It is a sweet wine, although never far from the acidity that keeps it well away from being cloying. It is a beautiful wine that still has all its freshness and fragrant fruit.
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Wine Spectator
Crisp and just a touch off-dry, with flavors of dried apple, iodine and apricot preserves, featuring hints of sea salt. Delivers an ironclad structure and a snappy finish filled with citrus peel notes. Drink now through 2040.
Cossart, Gordon & Co. was established by Francis Newton, a young Scot, in 1745 and is the oldest company in the Madeira wine trade. By 1850, the firm was said to be shipping "half the growth of the island" leading to the company acquiring an unequaled reputation as suppliers of fine Madeiras. In 1808, the Scottish dominance over the firm was broken with the arrival of William Cossart, an Irishman descended from a distinguished Huguenot family of France. The title of the firm eventually became known as the now world-famous Cossart, Gordon & Co. The Cossart family has remained among the most influential on the island for nearly two centuries.
There are hundreds of white grape varieties grown throughout the world. Some are indigenous specialties capable of producing excellent single varietal wines. Each has its own distinct viticultural characteristics, as well as aroma and flavor profiles.
A steep, volcanic island in the Atlantic Ocean that rises to over 6,000 feet at its highest point, Madeira actually sits closer to Morocco than Portugal, the country to which it belongs.
Today the vineyards of the island cover tiny step-like terraces called poios, carved from the basalt bedrock. Aptly named Madeira, this fortified wine comes in two main styles. Blended Madeira is mostly inexpensive wine but there are a few remarkable aged styles. Single varietal Madeira (made from Sercial, Verdelho, Boal or Malmsey), is usually the highest quality and has the potential to improve in the bottle for decades.