BLANDY'S
MADEIRA, PORTUGAL
Why Buy: These two vintage Blandy's releases from the years of Reagan-Bush, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and Gordon Gekko – a razor-sharp 1989 Sercial and an uncommonly complex 1987 Terrantez – have just emerged from their long slumber, earning extraordinary critical acclaim (97 and 96 points, respectively). With production naturally limited by both the scarcity of these varieties and the decades of aging required, these releases offer a rare opportunity to secure bottles of remarkable provenance and distinction.
What They're Saying: James Suckling's team was absolutely thunderstruck by the 1989 Sercial, awarding it 97 points: "Wow. This dry sercial has insane, multidimensional aromas of roasted orange rind, toast and dried fruit with a touch of varnish. The palate is austere, dry, sharp and almost severe, but so seductive and complex overall." Meanwhile, The Wine Advocate bestowed 96 points on the 1987 Terrantez, praising its remarkable balance: "This is a special wine, with the acidity of Sercial, the sweetness of a Boal and with the palate showing great balance; the attack is sweet but it finishes fairly dry. It has roundness and finesse."
Our Tasting Notes: The Sercial presents with exceptional precision – a study in controlled power. The decades in wood have sculpted something profound here: citrus oils and maritime salinity interweave with notes of toasted almonds and exotic spice. The acidity provides an electric backbone that makes each sip both refreshing and thought-provoking. The Terrantez offers a different journey altogether – fuller and more expansive on entry, with layers of dried fruit and subtle caramel notes that evolve into a surprisingly dry finish. The complexity here is remarkable; each return to the glass reveals new facets.
The Story: Blandy's has been a family operation since 1811, crafting Madeira through political upheavals, world wars, and changing tastes. These two wines represent different facets of their artistry – the Sercial showcasing their mastery of the driest style, while the Terrantez demonstrates their skill with one of the rarest grape varieties in Madeira's pantheon.
The Specs: The 1989 Sercial was aged in the traditional canteiro system, resting in 650-liter American oak barrels. The 1987 Terrantez, produced from grapes grown in the prestigious Câmara de Lobos region, was matured in 650-liter pipas before being bottled in April 2024.
Fun Fact: The canteiro aging system that gave these wines their distinction dates back to Madeira's maritime trading days, when barrels of wine would evolve over long ocean voyages. Today, this process is replicated by aging wines in warm rooms, where time and temperature work their magic.
Our Guarantee: As always, we source directly from Blandy's to ensure pristine provenance. Given the limited quantities available, we recommend securing your bottles promptly.
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Spring 2025. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer only valid in CA, FL, NV, TX & VA. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Thursday, January 30th, 2025.