SF | Pale gold, watery at the rim. An appealing nose of verbena, quince and old wood; nothing to excess, everything disciplined in the bestowing of aromatic favour....somewhat savoury, a hint of rancio, but no discernible oxidation; the rigours of acidity, only partly volatile, stalk the ensemble with pleasing rigour. Somewhat diffuse, maybe a little lacking in shape or purpose. Appealing nonetheless, and with definitive poise on the finish, which does not fail to satisfy. 91
AJ | We've gone back two years from the 2020 and it's no deeper in colour .. Sweet, soft, a touch composty, but also some fruit blossom notes; again, very different to solera Manzanilla in its aroma profile. Ripe and rich here ... wow, we are bouncing into the world of vintage differences! It's clearly a "generous year". I began by thinking 'No, this doesn't work as well ... yet the flor note which swings in in the latter part of the palate is really terrific, so then I wondered if a 'more generous year supported a richer level of flor'? Questions, questions! Anyway, another excellent vintage reading: big, bouncy, almost opulent, exuberant ... all very unManzanilla-like .. and yet it works, and works well. The exuberance includes the flor note, too.Drink Dates: 2024 - 2025. 91
DW | Harmonious, neat, impeccable and with a real spark of energy and drive, this feels very wine like, with delightful balance and burgeoning concentration, the savoury-salty and nutty elements incorporated into a finely chiselled fresh finish.Drink Dates: 2024 - 2025. 93