Floored Again

There’s never a dull moment with The Chairman.  He’s fun, but also very serious about his wine, though on the surface, it’s all casual.  He brings a gift every time he visits, and both SWMBO and I are very pleased to shout out or share a vinous treat with him.  But it’s hard to surprise him, as he’s very familiar with all sorts.

So off we went to the Wine Bar, and scanning the extensive wine list, we were starting to get bogged down with the choices.  There were just too many good and tempting wines beckoning us to participate in.  So in classical fashion, The Chairman floored us with the perfect choice – two different Sherries – flor-based, of course!

The Lusta ‘Papirusa’ Manzanilla was soft, light, clean and fresh with that near piercing pungency.  It nearly had the salty, sea-like tang that is attributed to proximity of the ocean, but in reality it’s the terroir of Sanlucar.  But strangely enough, it just lacked that essential acid zing and thirst-quenching delicacy that the very best examples have.  Not to say this was bad by any means, as it was still delightful, it may have been shipped a few months ago, hence the wine losing its edge of freshness.

 

Then the Lustau ‘Los Arcos’ Amontillado.  Aged fino, of course, and still carrying the effects of flor with pungency and crispness, with elegance of proportion.  But with age comes complexity.  Far more nutty and savoury, and in reality a great deal more body and depth.  Still refreshing to a degree, but a sipping wine to fill the palate with layers of flavours.  Gorgeous.  The Chairman floored us, as did this beauty.