Bodegas Valdespino "Contrabandista" Palomino/Pedro Ximenez Sherry NV

Vin Chicago: 90 Points

(4/2019) The Contrabandista is a unique sherry consisting of 95% Amontillado pulled from 8 years in solera with 5% Pedro Ximenez, the addition of which contributes a bit of sweetness without dampening the fruit-and-nut medley of Amontillado. The nose is full of caramel, prune jam and salted milk chocolate supplemented with orange-blossom honey and hazelnut. All of this is followed by an off-dry palate laden with walnuts and chestnuts and a rustic oakiness to balance the torched brown sugar finish. A wonderful after-dinner sherry for those in search of brightness with a touch of sweetness.