Winemaker Notes
The winter of 1998/9 was characterized by above-normal rainfall, with relatively low temperatures. February and March were rainy months. The cold weather did not occur almost throughout the year and the conditions for flowering were good. From August to mid-September temperatures were favorable for grape ripening. Grapes with moderate levels of sugar and good quality came from south and north coast from Madeira Island.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Toasted sesame, date, walnut bread and cocoa notes mingle here, giving this a solid bass line, while a racy ginger streak imparts spine. The finish is sweet along the edges, with a slightly austere bitter almond accent running down the middle.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 1999 Colheita offers up a rich bouquet of dates, figs, brown sugar, walnuts and honey. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and supple, with an open-knit, layered and nicely concentrated core, lively acids and a pure, expansive finish. This is a touch less deep and racy than the 1996 rendition tasted alongside, but it is a charming and accessible Madeira and a fine example of its medium-rich style.
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.