JJB: $24.94*
Pedro Ximénez Sherries are some of the most decadent sweet wines in the world, and given the decades-long solera system, a connection to the past unrivaled by any other style of wine. Alvear’s ‘Solera 1927’ is a NV blend started over 90 years ago and it is an unctuous, rich, and textured sweet wine that is designed to be an experience all by itself.
More so than any vin santo or Amarone, PX Sherry is a true ‘meditation wine’, and Alvear’s ‘Solera 1927’ would be a show stopping dessert course for special occasions. Of course, just because we think this is a special occasion wine, doesn’t mean it has to be priced that way. At only $24.94 for a half bottle, this is an amazingly accessible sweet Sherry that we will be grabbing multiples of for ourselves!
Alvear’s vineyards have much the same limestone-rich soils as a great Sauternes, which helps support the freshness these syrupy wines need to stay balanced. They also have the experience necessary to navigate the finicky, decades-long solera process, as they are approaching their 300th anniversary. This is an incredible price for such a singular Sherry, and given that a most other comparably rated wines would be many times the price, a pretty darn good value too.
Solera Sherries are also exceptionally hearty, so if you don't finish it in one sitting, it can live in your refrigerator for weeks or even months without sacrificing quality. It can easily be enjoyed with simpler desserts like creme brulee or a simple fruit tart, or simply all by itself. Cheers!
98 points, Robert Parker: "The NV Pedro Ximenez Solera 1927 is non-vintage, but does have some 1927 material in it. This is totally dark brown/amber with notes of figs, toffee, caramel syrup, molasses and coffee. It is dense, super sweet, intense, rich and an amazingly, unctuously textured, thick beverage to consume slowly and introspectively after a meal. Drink now through 2050, or even longer." (published 2015)
96 points & Editors’ Choice, Wine Enthusiast: "One of the world's best PX wines is Solera 1927, the pride of Alvear. Whatever solera stocks went into this bottling were well selected. Aromas of maple and fine wood turn to fig and caramel. Saturation and weight on the palate are expected, but this has some (though not a lot) acidic cut. Deep flavors of fig and Nutella finish with nuttiness and warmth." (published 2017)
*Offer publication date December 7, 2021. Pricing and availability subject to change.