NV Osborne Venerable 1902 Pedro Ximenez VORS Sherry

Melted dark sugar and molasses. Gorgeously thick and rich, dark coffee treacle flavours. (TC)

The NV Venerable Pedro Ximenez is produced from sun-dried Pedro Ximenez grapes aged in a solera created in 1902 for an average of 30 years. It is dark, opaque mahogany color, and a distinct nose with a lactic and toasted note of toffee and cappuccino coffee that stands it apart from others. The wine is dense and concentrated, very sweet and low in acidity, with a long aftertaste of dark chocolate and dried figs. 1,500 bottles are drawn from the botas each year. Drink 2013-2015. Osborne is one of the classical names in Puerto de Santamaria, one of the greatest names in the history of Sherry, Brandy, and the iconic silhouette of the huge black bull that truffles the Spanish roads id one of the stereotypical images of the Spain of the 70s and 80s. The venerable history was initiated by Englishman Thomas Osborne, who started shipping his Sherries in 1804. Today the company has diversified its business and produces Port in the Douro, wines in different regions in Spain, is still a market leader in the Brandy business, and has interest in other products, spirits, cured meats of first quality (5J, Sanchez Romero Carvajal), mineral water and restaurants, so the Sherries might sometimes be overlooked. As part of the globalization of the big Sherry and Brandy companies and the mergers and acquisitions, Osborne purchased the flagship soleras and brands of the VORS wines from the now deceased Pedro Domecq, Amontillado 51-1A, Capuchino Palo Cortado, Sibarita Oloroso and Sibarita Pedro Ximenez, which for some consumers is a little confusing, as they kind of compete with the existing Osborne line of VORS Sherries, and they even seem to be sold at similar prices. Imported by Evaton, Inc., Stamford, CT; tel. (203) 968-8220

Thick, sweet and satisfying. Intense and bold with a long, expressive treacle, sugar syrup, spice and floral finish. (RH)