Another stunning wine from this brilliant producer, who makes wine on Madeira’s main island as well as the smaller nearby island of Porto Santo, which is home to this wine, produced from the indigenous grape variety, Caracol. It has a beautiful nose that reminds us of toasty white Burgundy, but there’s also a grassy note, which which steers the mind slightly towards smoky white Bordeaux, but I’m just clutching at comparative straws, because this is all about freshness, rocks, salt and earth. 12% alc. Drink now-2032.

Press review:

The Wine Advocate: “2024 was a lower-yielding year in Porto Santo; it was warmer during the winter and cooler during the growing cycle, and the wines have more tension. The 2024 Caracol dos Profetas Vinho do P. Santo comes from limestone soils, different from the volcanic soils in Madeira and with a very dry climate, almost desert (think Lanzarote in the Canary Islands). It's clean, subtle and elegant, with some austerity and strong soil sensations, tasty, almost salty. The winery is very small, and they have to bottle the wines before the next harvest. Drink now-2031.” 93 points

JancisRobinson.com (previous vintage): “Very pale gold. Rich and toasty, with a touch of smoky reduction. Behind those winemaking aromas are notes of sour-citrus, including bright clementine, and quince. More power and depth here, still with outstanding freshness but also greater persistence. I find it remarkable to have a wine of such flair and intensity with just 12% alcohol. Long, long lightly toasty (but not oaky) finish with a steely core of acidity to draw you back in for the next sip. Strictly for acid lovers but it is balanced.” 18 points