Williams & Humbert Cedro PX

Williams & Humbert, founded in Jerez in 1877, produce Cedro PX from Pedro Ximénez grapes grown on the chalk-white albariza soils of the Marco de Jerez. The grapes are laid out to dry in the Andalusian sun after picking, which dehydrates the berries and concentrates their natural sugars to extreme levels before pressing. The thick, sweet must is fortified and then aged oxidatively through the traditional criaderas and soleras system, where wine moves down through tiers of casks and is blended across many years. That slow contact with air and old oak builds the deep colour and the layered caramel, coffee and dried-fruit character that defines aged PX. The wine pours an opaque mahogany. The nose shows golden toffee, freshly ground coffee and sun-dried raisin, with date and fig behind. The palate is dense, sweet and unctuous, coating the mouth with molasses, dark caramel and prune, while a savoury, slightly bitter edge keeps the sweetness in check through a long finish. Serve lightly chilled in a small glass as a dessert wine in its own right, or pour it over vanilla ice cream. It also stands up to dark chocolate and strong blue cheese.