MCDXIX, The Winemaker’s Selection Madeira –
Blandy’sBY NEAL MARTIN | SEPTEMBER 03, 2019This year marks 600 years since the discovery and settlement
of the island of Madeira in 1419. To celebrate, Blandy’s is releasing a special
blend called “MCDXIX, The Winemaker’s Selection.” Chief winemaker Francisco
Albuquerque was given carte blanche in terms of its creation, and the result is
a multi-variety blend that includes Sercial, Verdelho, Terrantez, Bual and
Malmsey (in increasing order of richness). Chris Blandy told me that the final
blend comprises 11 wines from vintages between 1863 and 2004, all aged using
the traditional canteiro method. Just 600 mold-blown crystal magnums will be
produced, each with a silver neck-plate engraved with an image of the bay of
Funchal, and housed in individual boxes made from vinhático wood. This
celebratory Madeira is due for release on September 5. Limited production means
that it is not inexpensive, at €4,370 per magnum through Premium Port Wines in
the United States and John E. Fells in the UK.<img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.vinous.com/uploads%2F1567520485615-7122_Blandys_Winemaker_Omdesign_14_copy.jpg"> 



The MCDXIX, The Winemaker’s
Selection has a lucid dark tawny hue with a straw-colored rim and noticeable
fat tears in the glass. The immediately striking bouquet presents delineated
scents of desiccated orange peel, clove and antique mahogany bureau. With
aeration, this Madeira closes in slightly and then really opens again after 24
hours, retaining class and composure. Although the exact blend of grape
varieties has not been disclosed, the Sercial and Verdelho are more vocal than
the Bual or Malmsey. Consequently, there is a certain edginess, a citric
sharpness embroidered from start to finish. Saline and tangy, with veins of
Seville orange marmalade enlivening the finish with a bitter twist, it reveals
its discreet richness, courtesy of 100g/L residual sugar, on the aftertaste.
This is an impressive Madeira wine worthy of celebrating the anniversary of the
namesake island. 95/Drink: 2019-2080. <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.vinous.com/uploads%2F1567522228893-mcdxix_blend.jpg">

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