Sibarita Oloroso VORS 20%, Pedro Domecq

Appearance
Deep burnt umber through mahogany and amber to a yellowy green rim, legs.
Nose
Rich, full, forthcoming and fragrant; hardly any woodiness but traces of sweetness - raisins, a savoury Marmite note, walnuts, leather armchairs, toasted bread. Immaculately clean for a wine which has been oxidising for over 30 years, and very complex, not at all austere.
Palate
Full bodied, powerful, dry, yet a trace of sweetness mollifies the astringency these old wines can have, a hint of toffee, even coffee, a slight fried mushroom and truffle oil note, gamey touches too, phenolic aromas as well as a touch of wood tannin, almost interminable finish. Wonderfully old and complex.
Comments
From a solera laid down by Haurie e Sobrinos in 1792 and acquired by Pedro Domecq in 1822, this is a classic and rare old Sherry. VORS wines all have to prove a minimum of 30 years in solera, but few if any are from soleras of such an age. This is an original Domecq bottling in the square footed bottle, and is probably no longer available, but Osborne now bottle the wines with similar presentation except the foot of the bottle is round. There is almost certainly a touch of PX blended into this wine to round it off and balance out the astringency such old wines can have.
Price
£33.95