Toro Albala Don PX Gran Reserva 2002
$79.99
SPECIAL 3 BOTTLE OR MORE BUY. Rich and complex Pedro Ximenez – 375 ml bottles.
Description
Toro Albalá should need little introduction as the most significant producer of Pedro Ximénez in the world today. Under the guidance of Antonio Sánchez Romero, in 1970, Toro Albalá was the first Montilla producer to commercialise bottled, dessert-styled Pedro Ximénez. We believe the Bodega also remains the world’s only specialist in 100% vintage Pedro Ximénez. Toro Albalá works with the finest vineyard holdings in Montilla and today houses the oldest and most legendary stocks in the region.
Founded in 1844, Toro Albalá is based in Aguilar de la Frontera, right in the bullseye of DO Montilla-Moriles, the hilly Andalucían hinterland that forms ‘P.X. country’. The DO surrounds the two towns of Montilla in the north and Moriles in the south, both in the Province of Cordoba. In 1922 José Maria Toro Albalá purchased the Estate and made his mark by moving the whole Bodega into a former electrical plant. It was here that José Maria began to write the blueprint for the modern incarnation of Toro Albalá.
Toro Albalá’s old, bush-vine Pedro Ximénez is planted on the bleach-white, chalky albariza soils of the region. This soil type is not unique to Montilla-Moriles—Sherry’s other capitals of Sanlúcar de Barrameda and Jerez de la Frontera share the spoils. However, the combination of these light soils with altitude and the hot, dry climate—one that can sufficiently ripen Pedro Ximénez—set Montilla apart from its maritime-influenced sister regions.
This producer’s reputation lies in the balance of extraordinary sun-ripened richness and depth of old vine P.X., combined with a bright, savoury quality, which never allows the wines to veer into the cloying end of the spectrum. This is managed through strict quality control, from the old vines and great soils, all the way through their very long aging process.
The Bodega’s mindboggling vintage wines are black as pitch, indescribably complex and represent the most profound expressions of P.X. from Andalucía.
About this vintage: The Don PX wines come from the youngest, sweet vintage wines of Toro Albalá. The carefully selected Pedro Ximénez grapes were hand-harvested and then left to dehydrate under the sun on straw mats for about seven days. The grapes were then pressed and, when the perfect balance between sugar, alcohol and acidity was reached in tank, the fermenting must was stunned with Aguardiente (clear local brandy), to stop the fermentation. The fortified wine was decanted into stainless steel and large cone-shaped amphorae known locally as tinajas. Due to the richness of the wine it must be naturally settled to avoid filtering, and so it’s bottled straight from these holding vessels.
As these early release wines are neither barrel-aged nor blended, they are wonderfully pure, grapey examples of Pedro that capture all the delicious raisin and honey hedonism and the racy acidity of the variety before the rancio sets in. The amber nectar glows with concentrated fig, honey and muscatel raisin notes, and finishes warm, lingering and sweet. Despite this natural sugar level, it remains remarkably bright and fresh.
Pedro Ximénez’ affinity with chocolate-based desserts is well known. Perhaps less well-known is how well the wines pair with salty blue cheeses. This is particularly the case with Toro Albalá’s younger vintage wines. This can also match well with fig-based desserts and sweet pastries. It can be kept opened in the fridge forever by the way, which makes it perfect for pouring by the glass or keeping. The Don PX has also become popular as a cocktail mixer due to its depth of flavour and superb price point.
93+ points, Luis Gutiérrez, The Wine Advocate “I tasted the 2002 Don PX, which has 17% alcohol and 399 grams of sugar and seems denser and more concentrated than the 1999 I tasted next to it. They are all different degrees or declinations of similar aromas and flavors, such as dates, raisins, coffee and espresso coffee. This comes through as balanced and tasty, not too sweet.”
RRP $100 Our Special Price $79.99 when you buy 3 of this wine. (375 ml bottles)
Additional information
Producer | Toro Albala |
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Region or Country | Montilla-Moriles, Spain |
Variety | Pedro Ximenez |
Vintage | 2002 |
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