SF | Soft old gold colour, dignified and clear. The aromatics are dominated by celery, bitter almond , yeast and chamomile; classic in other words, pronounced and reassuring. Bone dry palate, straw left in the sunshine, the aromas of sun-fed chalk and discipline of strict biological ageing. Clean, pure and , some may say safe, stylistically speaking, but what need to complain about safety in the pace of such privilege, such complexity! A second tasting ,a mere half an hour later intrigues as notes of soft caramel, toffee even, and ginger emerge... 91
AJ | Mid-gold in colour. The authentic flor tang, though in quite heavy style -- where the emphasis is all on the fungus and bodega rather than on sea air and the light or lemony lift. Slightly vegetal, too - a bit torpid overall. But characterful and true. Ditto on the flavours: driving, solid, a Hummer-style Manzanilla. A bit too weighty and bitter-edged to match my ideals for this wine, but a glass or two will get you round the block and sort out the little dishes of octopus and chorizo. Thus in no way deficient!Drink Dates: 2024 - 2025. 89
DW | Woodsy, barrel, brandy: this feels a little raw and gawky on the nose, some bitter tones on the palate, too, but there's a lot else going on here: there's a nutritious, substantial feel, unfiltered, with Marmite on toast and a finish that lingers in savoury style.Drink Dates: 2024 - 2025. 90