652. El Maestro Sierra, 15 years old Oloroso Sherry, NV (2011)

£10 / 37.5cl; 19%

Mid amber-brown, with a fade to a watery rim. Fairly intense nose of toasted hazelnuts, marzipan, and gentle coconut and cinnamon. A day or two later the aromatics had developed more complexity, with some coffee cream and cocoa hints. On the palate, quite juicy lemon-fruit notes are prominent. This must have a decent level of acidity. Nutty, toasty hints develop into a peppery, chilli-spice mid-palate. Medium+ length, with a slight salty tang. Again, with a couple of days, develops more smoky, cocoa notes. Dry.