This wine proceeds from the sacristy that the Palma family had in the basement of their house located in Aguilar de la Frontera. The butt stack’s temperature and humidity were preserved in perfect conditions, which allowed this amontillado to age statically with refinement and elegance. José María Toro Albalá acquired this relic and stored it in his winery, waiting for the right moment to commercialize it. It has obtained 93-95 Robert Parker points. “Convento Selección” are wines that have aged for generations in amontillado butts so that the wine and wood could merge with time and result into an unmatchable flavor. Our bottling system is called “Convento Selección” in honor to the Cistercian monk system in which the wine is classified in their own series. The entire elaboration is handmade, following San Benito’s Recula Rule: “Living off the work of our hands.” Names of the old bottlings tend to vary (they are highly creative at Toro Albalá!) and the old Amontillado is now presented as 1952 Amontillado Convento Palma. It has the character of a very old wine, with traces of the biological aging under under flor, certainly more pungent and sharper than the Palo Cortado I tasted from 1964. There is, as I have seen in other vintages, a sensation of sweetness on the fnish (but no aromas of sweet wine), that kind of softens the sharpness. —《Robert Parker Wine Advocate》 D.O.P. Montilla-Moriles.
【Tasting Notes】
Sight: Amber with beautiful copper reflections. Aroma: Strong aromatic intensity where tobacco leaves, orange peel, dried peaches and old wood smells stand out. In addition, some subtle oxidative nuances demonstrate its age and its long biological ageing process. Taste: Very dry and outright. Its ageing can be appreciated in the perfect balance of tenacity, high acidity and salinity. The umami flavor and sapidity are proof of its considerable longevity. SERVING SUGGESTIONS Ideal for game meats or beef stew, mushrooms, smoked dishes, ham, bull’s tail, sardines, tuna jerky and blue cheese.
【Awards】
This wine was affirmed by the well-known wine critic Robert Parker with 93-95 points.
