NV Fernando de Castilla Antique PX Pedro Ximenez Sherry

The NV Antique Pedro Ximenez is produced from dehydrated Pedro Ximenez grapes in a solera system, and represents half of the production of the range. Mahogany-colored, it reveals plenty of notes of marinated balsamic herbs (somehow an old vermouth comes to mind), licorice and a fresh touch of candied apricots. The palate is fresh, sweet, with echoes of the raisins, showing medium age which makes it easier to drink. It might not be a terribly complex Pedro Ximenez but its freshness makes it very approachable. 14,000 bottles produced yearly. Drink 2013-2015. Review Date: August 2013

This deep and viscous version shows good range, as warm ganache, buckwheat, toasted poppy seed, black walnut, rum-soaked raisin, sweet Turkish coffee and prune eau-de-vie notes are all seamlessly layered, while a gingerbread accent at the very end imparts lift. Thoroughly unique. Drink now. 1,250 cases made. ?JM Review Date: August 2014