Clean brassy gold, maybe a trace of green at rim, legs.
Nose
Most attractive with hints of wax, apple, dried flowers, dry scrub, lots of flor even a trace of wood. Dry fresh and zippy yet there is some autolysis. There is also a saline maritime hint and a poised elegance and intensity. Pure real Manzanilla.
Palate
Tangy and fresh, classic older Manzanilla going on pasada, fine, balanced and quite intense yet so very drinkable, it is delicious. Hints of dried flowers, herbs, salinity, trace mineral and yeast autolysis. This doesn't reach the dizzying complexity of some of the pasadas (though it would have), but is so much more approachable, "cheerful" as EquipoNavazos put it. And fantastic with food.
Comments
This is the 6th release of Manzanilla from 19 butts in the oldest Manzanilla solera at the bodega of Miguel Sanchez Ayala in the Barrio de la Balsa area in Sanlucar. It was bottled in February 2013 with the lightest possible filtration. 94 Parker Points.
Price
Around £27 Importer Rhone to Rioja
