Williams & Humbert Don Zoilo Oloroso 15 Años

Williams & Humbert is one of the landmark houses of Jerez, founded in 1877, and Don Zoilo Oloroso 15 Años carries an average of fifteen years in cask through the criaderas and soleras. It is made from Palomino grown on the albariza chalk of the Marco de Jerez, fortified to 20 percent and aged oxidatively, since above around 15 percent the protective flor yeast cannot survive. Over fifteen years of slow air contact the wine darkens as ethanol converts into acetaldehyde, while evaporation concentrates the liquid and deepens its dried fruit and nutty character. The solera system fractionally blends across vintages, drawing a portion from the oldest scale and refilling from younger wine, so each bottle holds a consistent average age. It pours a bright amber, and the nose is intensely aromatic, with walnut, hazelnut, toasted oak and dried orange peel. The palate is dry, broad and weighty, with roasted nuts, a savoury depth and a long saline finish. Serve lightly chilled at around 13 to 14 degrees in a white wine glass. It suits hard cheeses, mushrooms and roast poultry.