Tasting Notes:
"The Amontillado Viejo is medium amber with a hint of volatile acidity which adds to its complexity. This is an intense, layered sherry that is strikingly good."
- The Wine Advocate, 2007

About the Wine:
'Amontillado Viejo' is a very old wine indeed that originates from a Manzanilla. As the Manzanilla ages, the nutrients off which the 'flor' lives begin to disappear so the flor eventually dies off.

At this point the 'oxidative' maturing process of the wine begins, so turning the old Manzanilla in to a nutty Amontillado.   (more info)

Tasting Notes:
"The Amontillado Viejo is medium amber with a hint of volatile acidity which adds to its complexity. This is an intense, layered sherry that is strikingly good."
- The Wine Advocate, 2007

About the Wine:
'Amontillado Viejo' is a very old wine indeed that originates from a Manzanilla. As the Manzanilla ages, the nutrients off which the 'flor' lives begin to disappear so the flor eventually dies off.

At this point the 'oxidative' maturing process of the wine begins, so turning the old Manzanilla in to a nutty Amontillado.

Following many more years in the barrel, this Amontillado has turned into this truly classic dry old amontillado, 'Amontillado Viejo'.

Background:

In 1987, Javier Hidalgo of Vinícola Hidalgo met with his old friend and fellow wine maker of the Oporto region, Cristiano van Zeller. From this encounter sprung the idea of producing a special single vineyard sherry under their names.

After ten years of carefully assessing the ageing and development of the different wines originally chosen and of the development of the various markets, it was in 1997 that the concept finally became reality.

The wines selected originate from the Hidalgo family's 'Pastrana' vineyard situated in the Miraflores district near Sanlúcar de Barrameda, famous for providing some of the best grapes of the 'Jerez Superior District'.

All the Sherries have been aged in old casks of American oak for many years using the traditional 'solera' system within the bodegas of Vinícola Hidalgo in Sanlúcar de Barrameda.

The final selection of the wines considered suitable for the 'Pastrana' label was very rigorous. As a result the choice finally narrowed down to just two sherry styles: Manzanilla Pasada and Amontillado Viejo.

Amber with intense greenish glints at the rim and a full, creamy texture. Concentration from great age is apparent but remains subservient to incredible elegance and delicate length. Among the finest dry sherries produced.

Reviews:
Pastrana Amontillado Pasada) "The fino style shines through in this caramel-, iodine- and walnut-infused Sherry. Lightweight, yet intense, dry and firm, it's balanced and lingers on the finish. 89 points"
---Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator, October 31, 2005

(Pastrana Amontillado Viejo) "This amontillado, from a single vineyard in Miraflores, is angular, tart and racy - not on the sweet side in the slightest. The fruit recalls soursop at first, then gets so spicy - and intriguing - that it's like walking into an Asian spice shop. - 89 points"
---Ray Isle, Wine & Spirits Magazine, April 2005

  (less info)