Fernando de Castilla Antique Fino Sherry (50cl, 17%)

This is a fino sherry from Fernando de Castilla in Jerez, made from 100% Palomino Fino in a 50cl bottle. The grapes come from the estate vineyard Pago Balbaino, on white albariza soils with 70 to 80% limestone. The grapes are pressed and fermented in stainless steel, then aged in a solera and criaderas system. It is fortified to 17% at bottling and has spent long enough in oak to give a darker colour than most finos. The nose is fragrant and perfumed, with dry flowers, a salty pungency and some oxidative notes. The palate is intense and saline, with layers of flavour, a full body and smoky roasted almonds.