In 2008–2009, the Leacock family released over 1,400 bottles from their private cellar at a major auction and tasting event. These included century-old wines, many never intended for commercial sale but bottled for family use. Notable among them were 1895 and 1896 HFS labels with deeply concentrated Madeira characters—ranging from sharp acidity to rich caramel, spice and fruit notes
Founded in 1741 when a 15-year-old John Leacock sailed from the UK to Madeira, he began an apprenticeship with established merchants Catanach & Murdoch. Afterward, encouraged by his friend John Patient in South Carolina, Leacock launched his own trading venture—marking the birth of Leacock & Co.
Partnerships followed—including George Spence in 1758 and Michael Nowlan in 1759—solidifying the company’s rapid rise as a Madeira wine merchant.
...Leacock’s Madeira represents nearly three centuries of innovation, resilience, and tradition—from John Leacock’s humble apprenticeship to world-renowned solera bottlings. Its blend of phylloxera-saving viticultural achievement, significant auction history, and continuing brand identity under the MWC cements its place in Madeira’s storied heritage.
Leacock’s wines are crafted using centuries-old techniques unique to the Madeira region, adapt...
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