NV La Bota de Amontillado No 95 Navazos

The finest and deepest butts were selected from the Amontillado soleras of Rainera P. Marín. Their contents were refreshed with true (and unfortified) Manzanilla Pasada (this is a natural Amontillado). Throughout June 2012, Equipo Navazos picked a dozen of these butts for their La Bota 37. More than half of that wine was put back into certain casks for additional ageing, and this is what became La Bota 95 de Amontillado. The estimated average age of this wine is around 25 years – and it is stunning. The texture, richness and complexity is utterly compelling. The nose has a lovely mix of sweet-toned honeycomb, demerara and hazelnut brittle off-set by the more yeasty, flor-led, sour apple and salted almonds. The palate has amazing density and waxy dry extract, that no doubt comes from the long ageing. Bone dry and saline-tinged, there is still richness too from bountiful dried fruit notes –fig, apricot and mango. The tertiary sage and medicinal notes are beautifully intertwined, bringing depth and complexity to the palate. It is all so smooth and balanced. It is stunning. Wow. 2,800 bottles produced, 18.5% alcohol.