The 2022 M. Ant. De la Riva San Cayetano is a white wine produced from the Palomino varietal in the Jerez region of Spain. This wine, crafted by the partnership of Ramiro Ibáñez and Willy Perez, aims to revive the historic Sherry brand Manuel Antonio De la Riva. It is notable for its use of the flor ageing technique, though it is unfortified, aligning with the Vino de Pasto category.
Jane Anson from janeanson.com awarded this wine an exceptional score of 98, describing it as "arrestingly gorgeous" and emphasizing its "powerful twist of grilled salted almonds, with soaring acidity alongside juiced lime and lemon, crushed oyster shell." She highlights the wine's limited production of just 6,000 bottles from a 4-hectare site, making it highly exclusive. Anson also notes the wine's thought-provoking nature and encourages readers to "get on board."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also gave the 2022 vintage high marks with a score of 96. The review mentions the wine's origin from the famous Macharnudo vineyard in Jerez and the unique process of sun drying the grapes for a few hours. The wine is characterized by its "powdery, chalky mouthfeel" and "tasty minerality that makes you salivate." The Advocate praises its balance and freshness, despite the dry year, and notes that it should improve further with a couple of years in the bottle.
Decanter echoed the high praise with another 98 score, calling the wine a confirmation of the "deepest revolution in Jerez." The review describes it as a "flamenco singer with a master guitar," highlighting its refined yet intense nose, with "intriguing salty and bready aromas, dry nuts, and a chalky je ne sais pas." The wine is praised for its elegance and precision, making it a unique offering in the wine world.
With an alcohol content of 13.5%, the 2022 M. Ant. De la Riva San Cayetano stands out for its exceptional reviews and limited availability, making it a noteworthy choice for wine enthusiasts seeking a distinctive and high-quality white wine from the Jerez region.