Palomino Fino, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Spain

Don’t let the demure label fool you, this quiet boundary-pusher from the sherry enthusiasts of Equipo Navazos is wildly complex & downright incredible. From the especially powerful Pago Miraflores La Baja vineyard in Sanlúcar, this fortified Palomino was fermented in the same butts where it’s later aged for a year and a half under flor, effectively creating a single-vineyard & single-vintage manzanilla, something between a wine and a sherry that’s totally unique & never seen before! This is opulent & enchanting with notes of dried gooseberries, panettone citrus, blanched marcona almond & quince preserves, softly spiced like a mulled white wine, mouthwatering salinity with a rich, savoury finish. Like all good things, once it’s gone, it’s gone for good. Save this for your biggest dinner party of the year & pair with your most aristocratic fare — devilled eggs, tinned conservas, Cornish Hens & pimento cheese on Ritz crackers.