Valdespino "La Especial" Miraflores 2016

A truly unique 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 particular sherry however is the product of a different high profile vineyard, Miraflores in the Sanlucar area. Made from 100% Palomino Fino grapes only the Miraflores vineyard which are naturally fermented and aged under flor for 7 years. That ageing takes place completely outside the normal solera system, allowing this wine to be bottled as a vintage wine. This vintage sherry is then bottled "En Rama," meaning with no filtration.

This stellar and singular sherry has notes of fennel bulbs, brine pools, nutritional yeast, almonds, oregano and apple cider vinegar.