Henriques & Henriques, Madeira Colheita Sercial, 2001
is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Sercial is the driest of Madeira’s noble grape varieties, known for producing wines that are high in acid, feather-light in body, and packed with tension. In the hands of Henriques & Henriques, a benchmark house since the 19th century, this 2001 Colheita (vintage) bottling spent over 20 years in cask, slowly oxidizing and concentrating, before being bottled as a singular expression of vintage and style.
The result is dazzling: candied lemon peel, green almond, sea salt, and toasted hazelnut on the nose, with hints of chamomile, dried herbs, and iodine. On the palate, it’s laser-focused and mouthwatering, with layers of citrus zest, briny minerality, and warm spice, all carried by Madeira’s signature acidity and a finish that lingers for minutes.
Serve it lightly chilled as an aperitif, with hard cheeses, salted almonds, or seafood, or sip it slowly at the end of a meal—it’s just as contemplative as any dessert wine, without the sweetness.