Cossart Gordon Madeira, 2005

2005 Colheita Malmsey Madeira

Description and Reviews:
Cossart Gordon 2005 Malmsey Colheita Madeira is made from grapes harvested in a single year. A colheita Madeira is therefore a type of dated Madeira, like vintage Madeira. It has to be aged for a minimum of 5 years in barrels before it can be called a Colheita Madeira (for Colheita Port it is a minimum of 7 years). There is no maximum age limit for Colheita Madeira but after 19 years ageing it can then legally be called Vintage Madeira. This barrel ageing gives the Colheita Madeira some of the character and complexity of a young vintage Madeira. Madeira is a complex, interesting wine and is made in virtually every vintage. Due to the unique estufagem aging process Madeira is one of the longest-lived wines and also improves for days after opening, but will keep, once opened, for a month and more in a decanter. It makes an ideal wedding or anniversary present.