Valdespino Palo Cortado Vintage Sherry Macharnudo Alto Single Vineyard 2001

Valdespino, one of the oldest houses in Jerez with origins in the 13th century, make this Palo Cortado from Palomino Fino grown on the legendary Pago Macharnudo Alto, a single vineyard of chalk-white albariza soil. This is a vintage wine from 2001 rather than a solera blend, which is rare in Jerez and lets one harvest from one site speak for itself. Palo cortado is the rarest sherry style, starting under a veil of flor before losing it and finishing oxidatively in old oak. Over two decades of slow exposure to air the wine deepens in colour, concentrates as it evaporates and builds layers of nutty, savoury complexity, while keeping the aromatic finesse the flor first gave it. The albariza soil, which holds winter rain deep in its chalk, underpins the wine's length and freshness. The colour is amber with coppery highlights. The nose shows roasted hazelnut, candied orange and walnut over old oak. The palate is dry, structured and intense, with a saline savoury depth and a very long finish. Serve cool in a white-wine glass. It suits hard cheese, mushrooms and rich savoury dishes.