Valdespino Single Vineyard Inocente Fino Dry NV (750 ml)

95 pointsWine & Spirits: \”\’Inocente is Valdespinos flagship, a wine from the Macharnudo Alto vineyard, where the soil is pure white albariza. It ferments in 600-liter wooden casks without added yeasts, a practice that has become increasingly rare in Jerez. The intensity of the wines salinity is remarkable–iodine and salt–coming together with ripe white fruit, scents of nuts and exotic spices. The structure is dry and austere, like drinking the juice of stones. This will last for a decade in the cellar, but its impossible to hold onto a bottle if theres raw seafood nearby. (Aug 2018)\”

94 points Luis Gutierrez (Wine Advocate): \”The NV Fino Inocente must be one of the few wines in Jerez that is still fermented in 600-liter American oak botas, which is an incredible amount of work compared with fermenting tens of thousands of kilos of grapes (or even more) in a big stainless steel tank. This method was the norm of yesteryear, but is so labor intense that it was discontinued in most wineries, and gives a big diversity of wines, as each barrel has its own character, which contributes to the complexity of the blend. Furthermore, the bottled wine is on average 8 to 10 years old. One other thing that makes it apart from other Finos is that the grapes are exclusively from the high part of the Macharnudo vineyard, so this is a single-vineyard Fino. The nose is very complex, showing the effect of the long lees contact: chalk, dried hay, aromatic herbs and salty almonds. The palate is full, but at the same time elegant and balanced, powerful and fine, with the texture of a Meursault rather than a Puligny. A very complex wine, that manages to be both powerful and elegant. Inocente is great value for money. Drink 2013-2016. (Aug 2013)\”

94 pointsPen Guide to Spanish Wine(2017).

93 points James Suckling: \”Persistent, dried apples, hints of rosemary, salt and cream, following through to a medium body, creamy texture and a flavorful finish. Subtle yet complex aftertaste. Drink now. (7/26/19)\”

92 pointsWine Spectator: \”High-pitched, featuring talc, chamomile, chalk and jicama notes, followed by a pure, stone-tinged finish. Very graceful, lacy and long. Drink now. 2,500 cases made. (10/31/13)\”