N.V. SANCHEZ ROMATE IBERIA CREAM SHERRY - SWEET CHILD OF MINE

Mention Cream Sherry and one might think of old ladies and rich teacakes. Although Sherry has well and truly shed its jaded image and reasserted its rightful position as a serious wine to be enjoyed with a myriad of foods, Cream Sherry remains slightly unfashionable. However, the very best (preferably not too sweet) Cream Sherries can be more than a match for any Fino, Amontillado, Palo Cortado or Oloroso.

This particular example from Sanchez Romate displays and immediately inviting and complex nose of toffee and caramel, overlaid by dried fruit, spice and grilled nuts. It is undeniably sweet on the palate, but finishes refreshingly dry with rancio complexity. The addition of 15% Pedro Ximenez to the base of Oloroso has lent sweetness and richness to a wine that is well balanced and unlike many a straight Pedro Ximenez, doesn’t cloy.

While one could easily enjoy such a wine with a Christmas cake or similar festive indulgences, it is a dream with a Chocolate Delice, Vanilla Cream and Pedro Ximenez Prunes (thanks to London-based ex-pat Kiwi Peter Gordon for the recipe).

N.V. IBERIA CREAM SHERRY
Producer: Bodegas Sanchez Romate
Variety: Fortified Wine - Sherry
Vintage: Non-vintage
Region: Andalucia, Spain
ABV: 18%
Closure: Natural cork
Retail Price: $38.00
Date tasted: 25 December 2012

Tasting Note:
Deep amber. Complex and inviting nose of raisin, toffee/caramel, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, dried figs, freshly polished wood. Sweet, the nose flows through to the palate together with grilled hazelnuts. Although initially sweet, the wine finishes dry and doesn’t cloy.
Score: 16.5/20