Bright light amber/topaz with gold reflections, legs.
Nose
Attractive, fresh with a slightly crisp edge, toasted nuts - hazel, almond and walnut, some apparent sweetness, finely controlled oxidation with a savoury hint and a trace of turron yema tostada (ground almond bar with toasted egg yolk), not a particularly old wine but very charming.
Palate
Slightly less amontillado-ey, more oloroso: full, open textured with a gentle tang, more walnut and a trace of wood, on the light side, but with immense length. Lovely.
Comments
Rio Viejo is one of the old Domecq range bought by Lustau. The name comes from that of a Macharnudo vineyard owned by Juan Pedro Domecq close by the banks of the river Guadalete, from which the original wine for the (I think 282 butt) 1918 solera came. These soleras may have changed hands, but the wines are as good as ever.
Price
About £13 from Drinkmonger, Edinburgh. UK agents Bibendum
