Gonzalez Byass "Apostoles" VORS 30 Year Sherry

While Gonzalez Byass is one of the largest sherry producers, their access to a library of reserve wines is unparalleled. This is the "Palo Cortado" of their VORS line, Very Old Rare Sherry or sherry with at least 30 years in solera, and it is my favorite. The current Apostoles solera has an average age of 30 years, and it is composed of 90% Palo Cortado style blended with 10% Pedro Ximenez wine to add some sweetness and color. I don't reach for Oloroso and Palo Cortado styles often (the nutty, oxidative, walnut flavored styles in Jerez). The combination of that little bit of PX sherry here does wonders in adding a touch of sugar for depth, balance, and sheer hedonistic pleasure. Don't trust me? Listen to the "experts":

97 points James Suckling

Forget fashion and go for gold! Enormously complex, toasted and caramelized nuts, married to wonderful creaminess that is all lit up by acidity that's so supernaturally vibrant that you barely realize this has any sweetness. Very long, subtle and uplifting finish. Drink now. (12/2018)

93 points Wine Enthusiast

The NV Apostoles VORS is a blend of Palomino made into Palo Cortado and 10% Pedro Ximenez, assembled after their first five years of aging after which they completed their 30 years in barrel together. It shows a mahogany color and a predominant note of raisins among the hazelnuts, candied fruit and sweet vanilla. The off-dry palate has intense flavors of dates, dry figs and raisins, with great persistence and length. The blending makes it very approachable and good to combine with cured cheeses. A unique, off-dry Palo Cortado. (LG) (8/2013)