Published by Jeremy.
Disclaimers: This review uses WSET Diploma terminology and our own rating scale. Read more here. We use demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links to operate this site. Please review our Terms and Conditions for more information. This website is intended for those of legal drinking age in your jurisdiction.
Madeira is one of my favorite fortified wines, and when it comes to a style that goes with just about everything, we almost always reach for a Boal.
This particular bottle from Cossart Gordon was an interesting one because it was perhaps the most aged Boal we've had yet. At 15 years it hit all the right notes of fruit, nuts, and more!
Cossart Gordon Boal 15 Years is a Flavorful Madeira
This 15 year Madeira was medium amber in color with pronounced aromas of dried apricot, orange marmalade, candied lemon, honey, almond, macadamia nut, vanilla, clove, caramel, dried white fig, and geranium.
On the palate it was medium dry with high acidity, medium alcohol, medium(+) body and flavor intensity, plus a long finish. We had notes of orange marmalade, candied lemon, honey, caramel, vanilla, almond, cashew, macadamia nut, dried white fig, vanilla, and clove.
Boal Madeira Food Pairing – Miso Tart
We paired this 15 year Boal with a miso tart as we thought the rich, umami notes of the miso would pair nicely with the nuttiness in the wine. The tart also had a banana custard cream for some brightness which also helped notes of honey, citrus, and marmalade pop out. Perhaps the citrus notes were a bit too zippy with this one, but it was also quite nice.
Score: 4 / 5
We'd buy a bottle of this one.
Overall, this one hit all the right notes for us with intense fruit flavors, nuts, and other age characteristics we can't get enough of. Throw on a balance of excellent acidity with the sweetness, and this is a bottle we'd happily enjoy again and again.
Cossart Gordon is located at 9200-047 Caniçal in Madeira, Portugal. We purchased this bottle on Wine.com but at the time of publication does not appear to be in stock.
Upgrade Your Home Wine Bar
Need to upgrade your wine bar? Grab some new wine accessories:
