Navazos-Niepoort 2008 [White]
Producer: Equipo Navazos
Region: DO Jerez-Xéres-Sherry, Manzanilla

Reputed Port/Douro winemaker Dirk Niepoort worked with the Navazos team to recreate "vino blanco" as it was made in southern Spain 200 years ago. The finest Palomino grapes from top vineyards were fermented in sherry butts, then aged under a veil of natural yeast ("flor") for 4/5 months. 12.5% (not fortified). A unique and interesting wine. Very good.

A nice golden straw color with a most interesting nose: pungent asian spices, hazelnuts and a curious seedy/hay aroma somewhat like sesame seeds. On the palate it's fresh and clean: dried fruits, nuts, dry straw and (again) sesame seed flavors. Good length, no sign of premature oxidation.

[$M]
5 Sept 2011