The signature (mini) bottling from a historic sherry house. Even amongst old wineries, Valdespino stands out. The Macharnudo Alto plot, the bodega's most fameous, was awarded to one Don Alfonso Valdespino in 1264! It was his reward for being one of the 24 knights who expelled the Moors from Jerez. Espite that history however, by the time of the 20th century the bodega was dilapidated and near bankruptcy. After being bought by Grupo Estevez and under the direction of "new" head winemaker Eduardo Ojeda, this old house is reminding everyone why it was historically the highest regared house in all of Jerez.
This wine is perhaps Valdespino's most fameous bottle. Made from 100% Palomino Fino from the aformentioned Macharnudo Alto vineyard on pure Albariza soils, the grapes go through fermentation in oak barrels (a rarity in Jerez nowadays). It then goes through an initial ageing period (called sobretabla) for one year, developing its flor. It then goes into an 11 level solera system, meaning on average each bottle is 10 years old. The average Fino on the market is 3 to 4.
This iconic wine (now in miniature) has notes of olive brine, shortbread, almonds, and sourdough.