NV Emilio Lustau Amontillado Los Arcos

93 POINTS

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

The non-vintage Dry Amontillado Los Arcos Solera Reserva reveals a medium amber hue along with a nutty, honeyed, dry personality with great acid. Lustau made its reputation in the foreign markets with its extraordinary single cask Almacenistas which had been accumulated by the family over many years as their soleras are among the oldest in Sherry. The family also owns over 500 acres of vineyards. These are all remarkable efforts for their stunning value. While they are still under-the-radar for most American wine lovers, I encourage readers to give them a try as they are great introductory reference points for how profound sherry can be. I first wrote about the extraordinary sherries of Emilio Lustau many years ago, in the early days of The Wine Advocate. The portfolio of under $25 a bottle selections represents remarkable value for their complex, well-made personalities. Lustau includes a bottling date code as purchasers would want to buy Finos and Manzanillas as young as possible. It is difficult to describe the glories of sherry, but I’ll try. These Solera Reservas are all great reference points at a low price point from Lustau. None of the Almacenista soleras, which are single cask and very limited bottlings, are reviewed since they are priced over $25 a bottle, but they can be as profound as any alcoholic beverage in the world. Importer: Europvin (Christopher Cannan) Bordeaux, France; tel. 011 33 5 57 87 43 21; fax 011 33 5 57 87 43 22

91 POINTS

Decanter World Wine Awards 2016 - Silver

Intense and creamy, with lively citrus notes combining with dried flowers, orange peel, spices, leather, toast and liquorice. There's a slight hint of sweetness here and the finish is very, very long, showing a hint of hazelnut and spice.

Julia Harding MW - JancisRobinson.com

"Light golden brown. Stunningly inviting aroma of caramelised quince. A matching flavour on the palate with a sour-orange honeyed quality in a bone-dry wine. Incredible freshness on the finish and still just a remnant of yeast on the nose, in the empty glass. VGV Score: 17/20"

Decanter World Wine Awards

Hidden richness to subtle raisin and coffee aromas. Smooth and lush with fresh and roasted nuts. Bronze, DWWA 2011, Decanter World Wine Awards

Decanter World Wine Awards

Dark luminous amber. Intensely rich palate with dried fruits, orange peel flavour. Long finish. Silver, DWWA 2009, Decanter World Wine Awards