Medium amber, a beautiful hue with high viscosity legs showing off the 20% ABV.  The nose has medium intensity aromas of dried mixed nuts, desiccated plum, raisins, prunes and a salty herbal combo.  The palate is dry with high alcohol and medium (+) acidity.  Full bodied, this wine has loads of rich nutty flavors with dried fruit and a slightly bitter almond note with caramel and umami.  The finish is a touch hot from the alcohol but I get lovely warmth from the heat- picture a mound of warmed nuts and some dried black fruit.  The back end is medium in length and makes me reach for more from the glass.  This wine needs to be chilled and served as an aperitif with some charcuterie along with olives and nuts.  I like this oxidative style of sherry and am giving this $30 offering 91 points.  4 stars.  Salut….

This is my first Palo Cortado style sherry.  It looks divine- pale amber in the glass.  The nose offers up nuts, yeasty notes from Flor, caramel and toffee with dried orange rind. It has quite a bitter entry with exotic flavors I have never come across.  Dry with medium (+) acidity and a full body, this wine coats my mouth with tangy yeast and nuts with a citrus twist.  It’s unique for sure and offers a glimpse into another style of winemaking that is quite different- google Palo Cortado, you’ll see what I mean.  The fortification of this wine makes it a touch hot on the back end but I am really enjoying the nutty finish with that very singular Flor component.  I paid $26 to get this bottle- it rated 90 with the pros, who am I to argue?  4 stars.  Drink upon opening, Salut….