1988 Cossart Gordon Bual Colheita
€ 290.90
| Producer | Cossart Gordon |
| Region | Madeira |
| Grapes | Boal (Bual) |
| Ageing | Colheita (canteiro) |
| Alcohol | 20%vol | Total acidity: 9.04 g/l | Residual sugar: 115 g/l |
| Serving | 18°C, open a few hours in advance Store upright, keeps almost indefinitely once opened |
| Scores | 19,5/20 Grandes Escolhas 95/100 Wine Enthusiast |
A 1988 Boal from Calheta: harmonious, fresh and surprisingly lively.
Tasting note
Harmonious and focused on the nose: clementine, marmalade, candle wax and grilled hazelnuts, lifted by just the right amount of volatile acidity. Medium-bodied with a soft texture. The acidity fully offsets the residual sugar, making it fresh, even lively. Elegant and balanced on the finish (according to Neal Martin).
The story
The grapes come from Calheta. 1,593 bottles were released, plus some other formats.
Boal is the Portuguese name of the grape, Bual the English one (it is also called Boal Cachudo). It grows mainly in the south of the island, between 100 and 300 m altitude, and in the north near São Vicente.
Madeira spends years ageing in an oxidative environment and moves into a reductive one at bottling. It is therefore best to open the bottle a few hours in advance. After that, air no longer affects the wine: an open bottle keeps almost indefinitely and often tastes even better months later. Always store Madeira upright, as the acidity attacks the cork if the bottle lies down.
Food pairing
Cheeses such as blue cheese, Stilton, Gruyère, Manchego and Emmental. Dried fruit. Crème brûlée, caramel desserts with apple, apricot, pecans, cherries, almonds, hazelnuts or dried figs, and vanilla ice cream. Also a fine companion to a pipe, cigar or aromatic tobacco.
Critics & Awards
19,5/20 Grandes Escolhas | Tasted: Oct 2024
95/100 Wine Enthusiast | Tasted: Nov 2024
After long wood ageing, a dense golden-tan colour, floral, aromatic and concentrated. The wood and spirit take nothing away from the fruit and sugared orange flavour. Drink now.
After long wood ageing, a dense golden-tan colour, floral, aromatic and concentrated. The wood and spirit take nothing away from the fruit and sugared orange flavour. Drink now.
Neal Martin (Vinous) | Tasted: Aug 2024 | Drinking window: 2024-2050
Tamlyn Currin (JancisRobinson.com) | Tasted: Aug 2024
A peaty, dark nose of ginger and chocolate, with apricot, praline and quince. A wine like an old silver fork, heavy, finely chased and patinated by the years.
A peaty, dark nose of ginger and chocolate, with apricot, praline and quince. A wine like an old silver fork, heavy, finely chased and patinated by the years.