Fino Criadera A 37,5 cl.

The small red print on the back label that read "Saca 1/2019" meant the half bottle of the NV Criadera /A Fino que va para Amontillado had been filled in January 2019. I have tasted this wine before, and even if there are subtle differences in the bottling of these solera wines, the style and quality is pretty stable. This has more character of an Amontillado than a Fino, as the dominant note in the nose is hazelnut, and there's even a creamy note that in a way whispered "Palo Cortado." It's already 16% alcohol from pure evaporation and concentration, denoting old age. The wine is said to have aged under flor for some 12 years and aged without flor in an oxidative way for a further three or four years. The palate is long and nutty. This is an exceptional wine sold at an exceptional price, but only 1,650 half-bottles were filled in January 2019.

Wow. This is a fabulous amontillado with dried apples, almonds, salt and dry toffee. Full-bodied. Dense and flavorful. Very dry and tangy at the end. Drink and enjoy.