Vintages Release: March 30, 2019

• The following 2015 Bodega Alvear ‘Pedro Ximenez de Añada’ is a dessert wine, technically not Sherry—although grapes from this region are used for the base wine in making PX Sherry as the designated ‘Sherry triangle’ doesn’t have sufficient PX grapes. It’s fashioned from grapes laid out to dry and raisin in the sun on mats, then pressed, fermented and finally aged 12 months in traditional earthenware jars called ‘tinajas’, see photo below—it’s über sweet and absolutely delicious. The Alvear family got their start in 1729 and it’s still family owned and managed—now by 50 Alvear family members.

92 
Alvear Pedro Ximénez de Añada 2015
DOP Montilla Moriles $24.95 375ml (499152) 16.0% alcohol
The amber-shaded nectar fills the air with aromas of orange marmalade, fig jam, roasted nut and molasses notes. Unctuous, almost syrupy on the palate, it delivers sweet, concentrated flavours of honey poached apricot, candied orange peel, vanilla and baking spice trailing all the way to an endless, decadent finish. Served slightly chilled; this is truly ‘dessert in a glass’ to be sipped on its own or to enjoy with salted roasted nuts. A little goes a long way so don’t rush, it’s only a half-bottle and it’ll last up to two months refrigerated—securely stopper after each opening. (Louise Boutin)