The judgement of Paris is known in wine circles as a “David and

The judgement of Paris is known in wine circles as a “David and
Goliath” wine tasting put on by Steven Spurrier in the spring of 1976.
Steven was a wine merchant by trade. He sold the grandest wines
available (read French) and his shop in Paris off the Rue Royale became very
popular because of this. In a flash of entrepreneurialism he decided to put
together a tasting of the greatest wines from France and compare them to a
selection of boutique Californian producers. His aim was to sell more French
wine by having the clumsy American wines showcase the elegance of France.
French judges were invited to carry out two blind tasting comparisons.
They were to score each wine out of 20. The scores were then tallied up and
the highest scored wines were to be the winners. To everyone’s surprise
(especially Steven’s) the Americans took top spot in each category.
The tasting became international headlines as the greatest white
Burgundies and Clarets were beaten by wines no one had ever heard of. This
was the start of the California wine boom.
It is with the Judgement of Paris in mind that this wine list was
constructed. Comparing the great wines of America and France side by side
and listed varietally for yourself to choose. As we are now almost 40 years on
from this tasting, the lines between California and France continue to blur even
more.
Andres Ituarte - Head Sommelier
2
Chandon, Brut NV.
9
51
12.5
75
25
148
Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
Moët & Chandon, “Brut Imperial” NV.
Epernay, France
Pommery, “Cuvée Louise” 2002.
Reims, France
Cuvée Jean-Paul, Blanc de Blancs Sec 2014.
5
14
21
7
20
29
8
22
32
11.5
34
48
12
35
49
15.5
44
67
5
14
21
7
19
29
Côtes de Gascogne, France
Domaine Saint Paul Colline, Picpoul de Pinet 2014. *
Langudoc, France
La Petite Abbaye, Sauvignon Blanc 2014.
Val de Loire, France
La Chablisienne, “La Pierrelée” Chablis 2012.
Burgundy, France
Charles Smith, “Kung Fu Girl” Riesling 2013.
Columbia Valley, Washington, USA
Wind Gap, Trousseau Gris 2013. *
Russian River Valley, California, USA
Cuvée Jean-Paul, Rosé 2014.
Côtes de Gascogne, France
Le Poussin, Rosé 2013.
Languedoc-Roussillon. France
3
Cuvée Jean-Paul, Vaucluse Rouge 2013.
5
14
21
7
20
29
8.5
24
35
10
28
42
12
35
49
14
39
58
7
10.5
62
9
14.5
86
15
25
145
27
45
40
65
Pays du Vaucluse, France
Domaine Brusset, “Laurent B.” Côtes du Rhône 2014.
Rhone Valley, France
Familia Cassone, “Finca La Florencia” Malbec 2014.
Mendoza, Argentina
Couly-Dutheil, “Les Gravières” Chinon 2013.
Loire Valley, France
Jackhammer, Pinot Noir 2013. *
Central Coast, California, USA
Copain, “Tous Ensemble” Syrah 2012.
Yourkville Highlands, California, USA
Vincent Paris, “Granite 30” Cornas 2013.
Rhône Valley, France
Marimar Estate, “La Masia” Pinot Noir 2009.
Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California, USA
Mt. Brave, Malbec 2012.
Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley, California, USA
Vérité, “Le Désir” 2004. Cabernet Franc/Cabernet
Sauvigon/Merlot 2010.
Sonoma County, California, USA
Château Montelena, “Estate” Cabernet Sauvignon 1997.
Napa Valley, California, USA
* Wine freshly poured from tap
4
Brut
Moët & Chandon, “Imperial” NV. Epernay
Besserat de Bellefon, “Cuvée des Moines” NV. Epernay
Philipponnat, “Non Dosé Royal Réserve” NV. Ay
Paul Déthune, “Ambonnay Grand Cru” NV. Ambonnay
Pommery, “Brut Silver” NV. Reims
Delamotte, “Blanc de Blancs” NV. Le Mesnil-sur-Oger
Henri Giraud, “Hommage à François Hérmart” NV. Ay
Gosset, Grande Réserve NV. Ay
Krug, “Grande Cuvée”. NV. Reims
75
85
90
97
100
119
124
145
270
Rosé
Moët & Chandon, Imperial Rosé NV. Epernay
Laurent Perrier, Cuvée Rosé NV. Tours-Sur-Marne
Deutz, Rosé NV. Ay
75
119
146
Devaux, 2005. Côte des Bar
Pommery, “Cuvée Louise” 2002. Reims
Philipponnat, “Clos des Goisses” 2000. Ay
Louis, Roederer, “Cristal” 2005. Reims
99
148
189
245
Vintage
California
Loire
Valley
Argentina
Quartet, Brut NV. Anderson Valley, Sonoma
Francis Coppola, “Sofia Blanc de Blancs” 2013.
Monterey County
Domaine de la Taille aux Loups, “Triple Zéro” NV.
Chandon, Brut NV. Uco Valley, Mendoza
Alma 4, Sparkling Bonarda 2011. Mendoza
Montlouis-Sur-Loire
55
74
48
51
49
5
White
Domaine Chavy-Chouet, “Les Femelottes” Bourgogne Blanc 2012.
90
Burgundy, France
Domaine Gautheron, “Mont de Milieu” 1er Cru Chablis 2011.
99
Chablis, Burgundy, France
Domaine Jean Pascal, Puligny Montrachet 2009.
200
Côte de Beaune, Burgundy. France
Domaine Lamy, “Les Frionnes” Saint-Aubin 1er Cru 2010.
221
Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France
Red
Finca Sophenia, “Reserve” Malbec 2012.
88
Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina
Domaine Chavy-Chouet, “La Taupe” Bourgogne Rouge 2012.
96
Burgundy, France
Château des Annereaux, 2008.
104
Lalande-de-Pomerol, Bordeaux
Domaine du Prieuré, “Grand Picotins” Savigny-lès–Beaune 2007.
141
Burgundy, France
Frogs Leap, Zinfandel 2011.
143
Napa Valley, California, USA
Château Batailley 2006.
215
Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
Château Tanesse, 2009.
6L
250
6L
475
Côtes de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
Château Clarke, 2000.
Listrac-Médoc, Bordeaux, France
6
California
Bourgogne
Blanc
Chablis
Côte de Beaune
Camino Cellars, 2013. Monterey County
Ca’Momi, “Bianco di Napa” 2013. Napa Valley
Grayson Cellars, “Lot 11” 2013.
Wente Vineyards, “Heritage Block Riva Ranch” 2012.
MooBuzz, 2013. Monterey County
Au Bon Climat, “Wild Boy” 2013. Santa Barbara County
Heitz Cellar, 2013. Napa Valley
Frogs Leap, 2012. Carneros
Crossbarn by Paul Hobbs, 2013. Sonoma Coast
Sandhi Wines, 2012. Santa Barbara County
Matthiasson, “Linda Vista Vineyard” 2014. Napa Valley
Cakebread Cellars, 2013. Napa Valley
Chateau Montelena, 2011. Napa Valley
Ramey, “Hyde Vineyard” 2012. Carneros
Monterey County
Céline et Vincent Dureuil, 2012.
Domaine Chavy-Chouet, “Les Femelottes” 2012.
38
40
43
45
47
62
68
71
75
80
88
92
95
105
1500ml
49
90
1500ml
48
63
73
99
Domaine Hubert Lamy, “La Princée” Saint Aubin 2012.
Domaine Jean-Louis Chavy, Puligny-Montrachet 2013.
Etienne Sauzet, Puligny-Montrachet 2012.
François Carillon, “Combettes” Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru 2010.
Domaine Jean Pascal, Puligny Montrachet 2009.
1500ml
er
Domaine Lamy, “Les Frionnes” Saint-Aubin 1 Cru 2010.
1500ml
78
87
120
154
200
221
La Chablisienne, “La Pierrelée” 2012.
Domaine Daniel Dampt, “Côte de Léchet” 1er Cru 2013.
Domaine Christian Moreau, “Vaillon” 1er Cru 2013.
Domaine Gautheron, “Mont de Milieu” 1er Cru 2011.
7
Mâconnaise
Domaine Talmard, Mâcon-Uchizy 2014.
Domaine Perraud, Mâcon-Villages 2013.
Domaine Michel Chavet, Saint-Véran 2014.
29
34
38
Côte
Chalonnaise
Stéphane Aladame, “Découverte” Montagny 1er Cru 2013.
62
Montsablé, 2014.
33
Languedoc
Australia
Pays d’Oc
Penfolds, “Bin 311 Henty” 2011. Australia
Petaluma, 2009. Piccadilly Valley
79
51
California
Dry Creek, Fume Blanc 2013. Sonoma County
Clos du Val, “Ariadne” 2010. Napa Valley
Frogs Leap, 2014. Rutherford
Cakebread Cellars, 2014. Napa Valley
Matthiasson, “White Wine” 2013. Napa Valley
53
58
64
72
80
Bordeaux
Sirius, Sauvignon Blanc- Sémillon 2013.
35
La Petite Abbaye, 2014.
Pascal Bellier, Cheverny 2014.
Domaine Thibault, Pouilly-Fumé 2014.
Domaine Jean-Paul Balland, Sancerre 2014.
Domaine Didier Dagueneau, “Buisson Renard” Pouilly-Fumé 2011.
32
36
48
54
183
Loire Valley
8
California
Cambria, “Tepusquet Vineyard” 2013. Santa Maria Valley
Freemark Abbey, 2011. Napa Valley
Tablas Creek, “Cote de Tablas Blanc” 2011. Paso Robles
50
67
71
Rhone Valley
Maison Nicolas Perrin, 2014.
34
Languedoc
Domaine de Vedilhan, 2013.
California
Pays d’Oc
Qupé, Marsanne 2012. Santa Barbara County
Joseph Swan, “Saralee’s Vineyard” Marsanne-Roussanne 2010. Russian
26
64
69
River Valley
Rhone Valley
Rhone Valley
California
Rhone Valley
Les Trois Bises, Côte du Rhône Villages 2014.
Domaine du Tunnel, St Peray 2011.
39
76
Broc Cellars, “Vine Starr” 2013. Central Coast
83
Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe, “La Crau” Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2012.
98
9
California
Loire Valley
Oregon
Alsace
Washington
Pine Ridge, Chenin Blanc-Viognier 2013. Napa Valley
Dry Creek Vineyard, 2012. Clarksberg
39
46
Domaine Vigneau-Chevreau, “Cuvee Silex” Vouvray 2013.
Couly-Dutheil, “Les Chanteaux” Chinon 2014.
36
40
Sokol Blosser, “18th Edition” Evolution NV.
Sokol Blosser, 2013. Willamette Valley
Dundee Hills
Hugel, “Tradition Hugel” 2011.
Charles Smith, “Kung Fu Girl” 2013.
42
49
44
Columbia Valley
52
New York
Fox Run Vineyards, 2013.
California
Wente Vineyards, “Riverbank” 2012. Arroyo Secco, Monterey
Francis Coppola, “Sophia” 2012. Monterey County
Smith-Madrone, 2012. Spring Mountain District
36
49
74
Domaine Weinbach, “Cuvée Théo” 2014.
39
Joh. Jos. Prüm “Wehlener Sonnenuhr” Auslese 2004. Mosel Saar Ruwer
99
Alsace
Germany
Finger Lakes
64
10
Ugni Blanc
Vermentino
Melon de
Bourgogne
Gros Manseng
Bourboulenc
Malvasia Bianca
Arneis
Cuvée Jean-Paul, Sec 2014. Côtes de Gascogne, Southwest, France
21
Les Vignes de L’Eglise, 2014. Pays D’Oc, France
24
Domaine de la Chauvinière, Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine Sur Lie
2013. Loire Valley, France
Château du Coing, “Cuvée Excellence” Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine
Sur Lie 2000. Loire Valley, France
28
Charles Hours, “Cuvée Marie” Jurançon Sec 2012.
49
Château d’Anglès, “Grand Vin” 2012.
Birichino, 2012.
Southwest, France
50
La Clape, Languedoc, France
55
Monterey, California, USA
Seghesio Family Vineyards, 2012. Russian River Valley, California,
Gewürztraminer
Hugel, ”Jubilee” 2008.
Troussseau Gris
Wind Gap, 2013. Russian River Valley, California,
49
USA
58
69
Alsace, France
USA
65
Albariño
Marimar Estate, 2012.
Gascony
Cuvée Jean-Paul, 2014. Pays des Côtes de Gascogne
21
Le Poussin, 2013.
29
Couly-Dutheil, Chinon 2013.
36
Prieuré de Montézargues, Tavel 2014.
41
Languedoc
Loire Valley
Rhone Valley
Russian River Valley, California. USA
73
11
Canada
Tantalus, 2012. Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Le Clos Jordanne, “Village Reserve” 2009. Ontario
69
81
Oregon
Firesteed, 2012.
Phelps Creek Vineyards, 2010. Columbia Gorge
Domaine Drouhin, 2013. Dundee Hills
Adelsheim, 2012. Willamette Valley
Bergström, “Cumberland Reserve” 2011. Willamette Valley
44
69
74
80
97
De Loach Vineyards, “Heritage Reserve” 2013.
Block Nine, “Caiden’s Vineyards” 2012.
Byron, 2013. Santa Barbara County
La Crema, 2013. Sonoma Coast
Cuvaison, “Estate Grown” 2012. Carneros
Au Bon Climat, 2012. Santa Maria Valley
Lompoc Wine Co, 2012. Sta. Rita Hills
Marimar Estate, “La Masia” 2009. Russian River Valley
Paul Hobbs, “Katherine Lindsay Estate” 2012. Russian River Valley
Hirsch Vineyards, “San Andreas Fault” 2011. Sonoma Coast
39
47
49
62
65
69
72
86
125
145
California
12
Bourgogne
Rouge
Côte de Nuits
Côte de Beaune
Côte
Chalonnaise
Alsace
Loire Valley
Languedoc
Joseph Drouhin, “Laforet” 2012.
Dominique Gruhier, Epineuil 2012.
Domaine Chavy-Chouet, “La Taupe” 2012.
1500ml
Domaine Mongeard-Mugneret, “La Croix” Hautes-Côte de Nuits
2012.
Bruno Clair, “Les Vaudenelles” Marsannay 2010.
Domaine Roblet-Monnot, “Saint François” Volnay 2009.
Frédéric Magnien, “Vielles Vignes” Gevery-Chambertin 2010.
Frédéric Magnien, “Vielles Vignes” Chambolle-Musigny 2010.
Domaine Henri Gouges, “Les Chaignots” Nuits-Saint-Georges 2008.
Domaine Dujac, Morey-Saint-Denis 2012.
Domaine Confuron-Cotetidot, “Les Suchots” Vosne Romanée 1er Cru
2011.
Mongeard-Mugneret, “Echezeaux” Grand Cru 2012.
Frédéric Magnien, “Clos de Vougeot” Grand Cru 2005.
39
49
96
62
71
89
97
110
118
155
192
279
310
Domaine Pavelot, “En Caradeux” Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru 2012.
Bouchard Père & Fils, “Beaune du Château” 1er Cru 2011.
Domaine Francois Carillon, “Les Pitangerets” 1er Cru 2013.
Prunier-Bonheur, Auxey-Duresses 2012.
Domaine du Prieuré, “Grand Picotins” Savigny-lès1500ml
Beaune 2007.
Domaine Pavelot, “Corton” Grand Cru 2010.
75
77
81
85
141
Domaine Faiveley, Mercurey 2012.
Céline et Vincent Dureuil, “Champs Cloux” Rully 1 er Cru 2010.
Clos Salomon, “Clos Salomon Monopole” Givry 1er Cru 2012.
58
62
78
Domaine Ostertag, “Fronholz” 2009.
89
Domaine André Dezat, Sancerre Rouge 2014.
48
Domaine de Bachellery, 2014.
Montsablé, 2014. Pays d’Oc
32
33
Pays D’oc
147
13
Chile
Washington
Los Caminos, 2014. Colchagua Valley
Hedges Family Estate, “CMS” 2012.
26
49
Columbia Valley
California
Kendall-Jackson, “Avant” 2010.
Grayson Cellars, “Lot 10” 2012.
J. Lohr, “Seven Oaks” 2013. Paso Robles
Slingshot, 2012. Napa Valley
Brea, “Margarita Vineyards” 2012. Paso Robles
Heitz Cellar, 2009. Napa Valley
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, “Artemis” 2012. Napa Valley
Dunn Vineyards, 2002. Napa Valley
Ridge, Monte Bello 2010. Santa Cruz Mountains
Dominus Estate, 2003. Napa Valley
Opus One, 1995. Napa Valley
38
40
47
59
82
110
128
189
264
282
410
Bordeaux
Clarendelle by Haut Brion. 2010.
Château Tour de By, 2010. Médoc
Les Brulières de Beychevelle 2008. Haut Medoc
Château Sérilhan, 2010. St-Estèphe
Château Haut-Bergey, 1998. Pessac-Léognan
Château Potensac, 1997. Médoc
Château Cantemerle, 2007. Haut-Médoc
Château Sociando-Mallet, 2006. Haut-Médoc
Château Siran, 2003. Margaux
Château Ormes de Pez, 2005. St-Estèphe
Château Batailley, 2006. Pauillac
Château Palmer, 1996. Margaux
54
61
66
70
75
80
94
99
105
140
215
475
1500ml
14
Chile
Ochagavia, “Silvestre” 2014. Rapel Valley
24
La Stella, “Fortissimo” 2013. Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
78
Charles Smith, “The Velvet Devil” 2013. Columbia Valley
56
California
Lyeth, “L de Lyeth” 2012. North Coast
Francis Coppola, “Diamond Collection” 2011.
Freemark Abbey, 2011. Napa Valley
35
65
72
Bordeaux
Château Tanesse, 2010. Cadillac
Château Franc-Cardinal, 2010. Côtes de Francs
L’Égérie du Château Chéreau, 2009. Lussac St-Émilion
Domaine de la Pointe 2010. Pomerol
Château des Annereaux, 2008. Lalande-de-Pomerol
Château Mazeyres, 2005. Pomerol
Château Tanesse, 2009. Côtes de Bordeaux
41
50
68
98
104
105
250
Canada
Washington
Languedoc
Washington
Domaine Baptiste Boutes, 2011.
1500ml
6000ml
28
Pays D’Oc
Spring Valley Vineyard, “Katherine Corkrum” 2010.
Walla Walla
119
Valley
California
Loire Valley
Caberet Frank, “No 2” 2014.
33
Couly-Dutheil, “Les Gravières” Chinon 2013.
Domaine Fabrice Gasnier, “Les Graves” Chinon 2012.
Yannick Amirault, “La Petit Cave” Bourgueil 2011.
42
49
65
15
California
Francis Coppola, “Diamond Collection” 2012.
Mt. Brave, 2012. Mt. Veeder
68
145
Argentina
Familia Cassone, “Finca La Florencia” 2014. Mendoza
Clos de los Siete, 2012.
Amancaya, “Gran Reserva” 2012. Mendoza
Finca Sophenia, “Reserve” 2012. Tupungato, Mendoza
35
48
56
88
1500ml
Southwest
France
Cèdre Heritage, Cahors 2012.
29
Languedoc
Domaine de Bachellery, 2013 Pays D’oc
32
Le Vieux Pin, 2010.
84
Canada
California
Rhone Valley
Provence
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Gnarly Head, Petit Syrah 2012.
Terre Rouge, “Les Côtes de L’ouest” 2010.
Qupé, Syrah 2011. Central Coast
Piedrasassi, 2013. Central Coast
Morgan, Cote du Crow’s” Syrah-Grenache 2012. Monterey
Eberle, “Steinbeck Vineyard” 2012. Paso Robles
Bonny Doon Vineyard, “Le Pousseur” 2011. Central Coast
Freemark Abby, Petite Syrah 2012. Napa Valley
Arnot-Roberts, 2013. North Coast
Hyde de Villaine, 2007. Carneros
L’Aventure, “Optimus” 2012. Paso Robles
46
55
57
60
61
65
78
89
104
115
122
Cave de Tain, “Domaine Belles Granges” 2012.
Domaine Etienne Pochon, Crozes-Hermitage 2012.
Domaine Georges Vernay, “De Miraudie” 2013. Collines-Rhodaniennes
Vincent Paris, “Granite 30” Cornas 2013.
29
42
54
62
Domaine de Trevallon, Syrah-Cabernet 2004.
Bouches-du-Rhône
165
16
California
Rhone Valley
California
Birichino, “Besson Vineyard” 2012. Santa Cruz
Tablas Creek, Côtes de Tablas 2011. Paso Robles
Wind Gap, “Old Vine” 2012.
65
73
89
Cuvée Jean-Paul, “Vaucluse Rouge” 2013. Pays du Vacluse
Famille Perrin, Ventoux Rouge 2014.
Domaine Brusset, “Laurent B” Côte du Rhône 2014.
E. Guigal, Côte du Rhône 2011.
Château Pesquié, “Les Terrasses” Côtes-du-Ventoux 2012.
Les Gamins, Côte du Rhône Villages 2014.
Domaine la Soumade, Gigondas 2010.
Domaine de la Charbonnière, Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2011.
Domaine Les Pallières, “Terrasse du Diable” Gigondas 2010.
Domaine Bosquet des Papes, Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2004.
Château La Nerthe, Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2006.
Château de Beaucastel, Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2000.
21
25
29
35
37
39
62
82
84
89
99
199
Shenandoah Vineyards, 2013. Amador Cournty
Edmeades Vineyards, 2011. Mendocino County
Seghesio Family Cellars, 2012. Sonoma County
Turley Cellars, “Juvenile” 2013. St Helena
Wilde Farm, “Heritage” 2013. Sonoma Valley
Ridge, “Lytton Springs” 2013. Dry Creek Valley
Seghesio Family Cellars, “Home Ranch” 2012. Alexander Valley
Frog’s Leap, Zinfandel 2011. Napa Valley
1500ml
44
54
56
62
78
81
128
143
17
Tannat
Carménère
Gamay
Alain Brumont, Tannat-Merlot 2012. Côtes de Gascogne, France
29
Montes Alpha, 2012. Colchagua Valley, Chile
37
Château de Raousset, “Grille-Midi” Fleurie 2013.
Beaujolais, Burgundy,
46
France
RPM, 2013. El Dorado, California, USA
Mourvèdre
Carignan
Château d’Anglès, “Grand Vin” 2010.
69
La Clape, Languedoc, France
50
Broc Cellars, “Love Red” 2013. California, USA
Joseph Swan Vineyards, “Côte du Rosa” 2011. Alexander Valley,
55
62
California, USA
Valdiguié
Sangiovese
Trousseau
Refosco
Broc Cellars, 2012. Solano County Green Valley, California, USA
66
Seghesio Family Vineyards, 2011. Alexander Valley, California, USA
66
Arnot-Roberts, 2012.
88
North Coast, California, USA
Matthiasson, “Matthiasson Vineyard” 2012.
Napa Valley
89
18
Château de Corneilla, Muscat de Rivesaltes 2011.
5.5
750ml
36
9
375ml
34
375ml
39
375ml
45
375ml
48
375ml
69
Sine Qua Non, “The Noble Man” 2006. California, USA
375ml
150
Château d’Yquem, 1996.
375ml
321
7.5
500ml
46
7
375ml
26
375ml
55
Roussillon,
France.
Château Petit Vedrines, 2012. Sauternes, Bordeaux, France
Edmeades, “Perli” Late Harvest Zinfandel 2006.
Mendocino
Ridge, California, USA
Quady, “Elysium” Black Muskat 2013. California, USA
Bonny Doon Vineyard, “Vinferno” 2008.
Château Guiraud, 2003.
Barbadillo, Fino NV.
12
California, USA
Sauternes, Bordeaux, France
Sauternes, Bordeaux, France
Spain
Romate, Pedro Ximenez NV.
Spain
Gonzalez Byass, “Apostoles” 30-Year-Old Palo Cortado NV.
Spain
Grahams, “Six Grapes” NV. Portugal
5
750ml
37
Warres, “Otima” 10 Year Tawny. Portugal
8
375ml
40
9
375ml
34
Grahams, “Quinta dos Malvedos” 2001.
Portugal
19
The relationship between Madeira and the United States of America goes back to the
1600s. Back then no grapes suitable for winemaking could be planted in the 13 British colonies.
This lead to a dependence on European wines. Unfortunately much of that wine shipped to the
new world arrived spoiled and heavily taxed.
It is the unique production and impervious nature of Madeira that leant itself to the
popularization of this delicious wine among the Aristocrats in America. Madeira is a fortified
wine that is exposed to high temperatures and oxygen over a long period of time. Constant
heating and cooling in oak barrels builds complexity that will last decades and often even
centuries. This meant that Madeira was one of the safest wines to import to the new world.
Demand grew and Madeira became so highly respected it was used to toast The Declaration of
Independence. It was Thomas Jefferson who was probably the biggest advocate of Madeira but
it is well documented that Benjamin Franklin and George Washington were also big fans.
The flavour of Madeira has not changed in 300 years and quality has never been better.
These wines are among the most underrated in the world. They offer so much complexity and
enjoyment. Now is your chance to see what the early Americans were onto.
Blandy's, “10 Year Old” Verdelho.
11
Verdelho is one of the drier grape varieties grown in Madeira. This is medium dry with a richness
of orange peel and exotic fruits. A perfect accompaniment for richer soups or game.
Leacock’s, Sercial 1969.
42
Sercial makes the driest form of Madeira. It’s earmark is bright acidity and freshness. Almond
skin, pencil shavings, caramel and orange rind flavours are found here in perfect balance.
Cossart Gordon, Bual 1976.
46
Bual is the longest living of the Madeira grapes. This wine shows us why with notes of dried
apricots, lime zest, sugar cane, tobacco and vanilla fudge. All elegantly put together in a medium
rich style.
20