De Alberto Dorado

Since the 1940s, the Gutiérrez family, owner of Bodegas de Alberto, has been producing traditional-style Verdejo wines of Rueda, the fortified dorado being quite different to the fruity, aromatic style that dominates the market today. De Alberto Dorado undergoes oxidative ageing in demijohns exposed to the sun, and is aged in a solera system more than 70 years old. Beth Willard: Pain d’épices, sweet candied fruit, apricot jam. Enticing caramel and nutty aromas. Burnt orange and intense citrus peel, pithy. Layers of complexity. Sarah Jane Evans, MW: Exceptional oxidative Sherry-like aromas, like a wonderfully aged amontillado. Underneath this is red fruit, tangerines, roasted nuts. A rainbow of flavours, very long. Christine Parkinson: Deep amber colour; rich toffee aromas; palate has café crème, dried oranges; toasted hazelnuts and buttermilk flavours; long, bone-dry finish. Drink date: 2022-2030. Alcohol 17.5%. Score – 98. (Decanter, March 2022)