This quartet of limited-edition, Tío Pepe sherries is sublime. Their complexity to value ratio is sky-high, especially with the Quatros Palmas Fino. Whether as sets or as individual bottles - and especially the Quatros Palmas, these wines should be destined to be collectors' items. Alas, they are bottled in clear bottles, which allow us to see the color gradations deepen from Una to Quatros but do nothing to protect the wine from improper light exposure. Perhaps the expectation is that those in possession of these gems will know how to store and handle them. If they can resist them, that is.
Read MoreSpanish wines offer such excellent value and style diversity. They’re great to hit up for the holidays, even if your celebration may need fewer bottles than usual in this crazy year. As I always do, I marvel at the complexity of Sherry, one of the most under-appreciated wines around these days. Both this Sherry and this Chardonnay merit a “*” as personal faves!
Read MoreFive generations ago, the Gonzalez Byass brandy legend awoke in the southwestern outpost of Spain’s Jerez. Today, the “everyday” Soberano is distilled in a continuous distillation system while the Lepanto brandies are carefully curated in pot stills imported from Cognac.
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