Tío Pepe Fino en Rama

I had the chance to compare two bottlings of the briny NV Tío Pepe Fino en Rama. This is the current 2017 release, dressed with a yellow and gold label. It starts with a nose that combines notes of albero sand (the one used for bullfighting rings and cellar floors), esparto grass and some nutty undertones. The palate is dry and intense with pungent flavors, good complexity and depth for a four-year-old Fino. There is a notch more concentration and nuance here plus a wide, long, velvety texture and a salty aftertaste. 16,990 bottles were filled in April 2017. This is very good value and an excellent introduction to the en rama category of Fino Sherry.