The skies darkened as clouds of black cherries and grapes loomed over a hot bodega warehouse. Aromas of grape must and oxidized apples and pears merged with tart hazelnuts, almonds and smouldering twigs. As a sherry butt moved in front of the sun we found ourselves in the shadows amidst dark fruits, cinnamon and nutmeg whilst chocolate covered brazil nuts tumbled onto the dusty earth.

As water dripped into the glass flavours of dates, prunes and salted caramel became bound together with thick tar. Then the light oily character of fine Riesling wine rippled over porcini mushrooms as cocoa nibs and coconut joined hazelnut praline and liquorice on the silky finish. After spending 15 years in an ex-oloroso butt this was transferred to a 1st fill Pedro Ximenez butt for the remainder of its maturation.