There are a couple of things about this wine that make it a bit different.  Firstly, it is a vintage sherry, apparently the first of its kind to be made.  Also, its not filtered at all, hence the en Rama in the name.  To cap it all off, its made using Pedro Ximénez (PX to most of us) rather than Palomino. I first tasted this wine at a trade tasting late last year.  I was tasting with a Spanish bloke and when we were told that it was made from PX we looked at each other with disbelief.  You would never pick it, blind or otherwise.

Montilla-Moriles is one of the prime growing areas for PX, a lot of the PX that is labelled as being from Jerez is actually from Montilla-Moriles, it is about the only D.O. I know of that allows this.  Anywhere.

Pale straw in colour, the nose has almonds and apple with slight orange peel, honey suckle and sea spray notes.  Bursting with tangy, fresh apple in the mouth with some honey roasted almonds.  Not a lot of acid here, but enough, overall the wine has a nice balance and remains light.  The finish is very long.  I think I may have a new house fino.  89 Pts

Source:  Toro/Woods Wines Price: Around $20 (375ml) Closure: Conventional Cork

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