Sherry
2019 GOLD: 2 SILVER: 3 BRONZE: 0 COMMENDED: 1
2018 GOLD: 9 SILVER: 3 BRONZE: 1 COMMENDED: 2
Last year, we thought we’d broken the sherry barrier. After years of asking for more entries, we received a decent selection and were rewarded with a stimulating, wide-ranging and well-priced range of Golds for our list. This year, sadly, it was back to the bad old days: low entries and not many medals as a result.
It’s a shame, because somms love this stuff – and since supermarket shoppers don’t exactly seem to be falling over themselves to buy it, the on-trade, surely, is the best bet.
The one ray of light? We’ve got three words for you: Fernando de Castilla. Staggering quality across the range, year after year. The Oloroso deservedly won our Caspar Auchterlonie award for the star fortified. Truly wonderful wine that deserves its price tag.
FROM THE TASTING TEAMS
‘We finished this flight with a glorious, really recommendable Pedro Ximénez, that was beautifully balanced and not cloying. That, along with the oxidative styles here, really have a place for sommeliers.’ Sarah Jane Evans MW, team leader
‘These were fantastic. The highlight of the day. They were all super-high quality and worth every penny. I could feel the Spanish sun in them.’ Nelio Pinto, Candlesticks
‘The finos really stood out, particularly the lowest-priced one. They were really well made and good expressions of the style. And that Pedro Ximénez was something else. I’ve never tasted anything like that.’ Charlie Carter, Ten Green Bottles