I am amazed by the consistent quality of everything I’ve tasted from Pepe Mendoza, a winemaker with years of experience who started out working in a very conventionl way (for large wineries) and has now paired his winemaking and viticulture back to the most minimal and natural methodology possible. I was a bit scared of this wine, not being a fan of flor (the yeast that develops on the top of sherry barrels) except in sherry itself.
So what a surprise to discover this absolute stonker of a wine. It grabs the attention immediately, with intense neroli and orange peel aromas, gorgeously expressive, with close to no clue about the flor. Wonderfully fresh and lively, with a slightly oily texture, citrus compote and a tiny hint of nuttiness. Superb concentration and balance, and a little sprig of sage and mint that makes itself known on the finish. Big bodied but wonderfully harmonius. Wow!