H&H Madeira Sercial 2001 Single Harvest
Henriques & Henriques Sercial 2001 Single Harvest Madeira is a single-vintage (colheita) bottling from the 2001 harvest — 100% Sercial, aged 13 years in canteiro and bottled in 2014, at 20% ABV in a 750mL bottle. The driest of the classic Madeira styles, it won Best in Show at the Decanter Asia Wine Awards in January 2020. Available to order online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 20%
- Size: 750mL
- Vintage: 2001 — aged 13 years in canteiro, bottled 2014
- Style: the driest Madeira style ("seco"), with mouthwatering acidity
- Awards: Best in Show, Decanter Asia Wine Awards (January 2020)
A Single Harvest, Thirteen Years in the Making
"Single Harvest" is Henriques & Henriques' name for colheita — an early-bottled single-vintage wine, distinct from a full vintage (garrafeira) bottling. This 2001 spent 13 years in canteiro, the traditional barrel-heating process at H&H's Câmara de Lobos lodges, before its 2014 bottling. H&H — founded 1850, Madeira's largest vineyard owner — makes its age-statement and harvest wines from 100% of the stated grape. Sercial is the most acidic of the four classic grapes, and the house's driest expression. Explore more Henriques & Henriques wines or browse the dessert wine collection.
Tasting Notes
Bright and deep, with the saline, sea-smoke signature of Sercial fruit. The official fact sheet calls it a dry, fresh wine with significant oxidative notes — aromas of green fruits, gentle acidity with soft astringency, and flavors of caramelized apricot, tangerine, and almond built over its long canteiro rest. The Decanter Asia judge noted burnished tamarind giving way to lemon, grape, and grapefruit, with prominent acidity making it taste drier than its 55.3 g/l residual sugar would suggest.
How to Enjoy
Serve as an aperitif — the house suggests fresh oysters, sushi, grilled shrimp, swordfish or salmon, hard cheeses, olives, and nuts. Serve cool; once opened it keeps indefinitely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "Single Harvest" Madeira — is it the same as a vintage?It is H&H's term for colheita: a wine from a single harvest year, bottled earlier than a full vintage (garrafeira) wine. This one was bottled in 2014 after 13 years in cask.
Which is drier, Sercial or Verdelho Madeira?Sercial — it is the driest of the four classic styles ("seco"), while Verdelho is medium-dry ("meio seco").
Why does this Sercial taste dry with 55 g/l of sugar?Acidity. Sercial's searing natural acidity (9.62 g/l here) masks the residual sugar — the Decanter Asia judge noted it "tastes drier than the residual sugar level would suggest."
Is a 2001 Single Harvest still good to drink now?Yes — the Decanter Asia note gave a 2020–2026 drinking window, and Madeira's oxidative maturation means it holds far longer. It will not fade in the bottle or the decanter.
The driest Madeira, at its most decorated — buy H&H Sercial 2001 Single Harvest online at Del Mesa Liquor.