Harveys Bristol Cream Sherry (Spain) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a delicious sweet cream Sherry that is widely available at LCBO outlets across Ontario as part of the General List Collection and currently on limited time offer of $2 off until the last week of March.

It is produced by Harveys, a sherry company that was founded in Bristol, England, in 1796 by merchant William Perry who would go on to become on the largest importers of sherry from the Bay of Cadiz (Spain) to the port of Bristol.

Quality is very important to Harveys and each drop means everything to them. They have spent years finding the the best vineyards and bodegas in Spain's Jerez winegrowing region. Jerez offers its own, unique micro-climate due to the fresh and humid winds from the west. and warm and dry winds from the east. Jerez is also known for its Albariza (white) soils which are best for growing Palomino grapes, and 300 days of sunshine a year. This unique terroir makes Jerez the global centre for sherry production. The Master Blender at Harveys is Manuel Jose Valcarcel ans he has been with the company for over 20 years and makes sure that their unique liquid is always up to the highest standards.

This Cream Sherry was launched in 1882 by John Harvey II and his brother Edward and granted the Royal Warrant shortly thereafter. It is composed of 80% Palomino and 20% Pedro Ximenez, using a delicate blend of Jerez's finest wines; delicate finos, aged amontillados, fragrant olorosos, and the special Pedro Ximenez grape which provides a silky, mellow smoothness. It is known for its deep golden chestnutty and amber tones, as well as being full, fragrant, pungent, and elegant all at once, and a full bodied, rich, yet mellow experience that is long-lasting and velvety. It is best enjoyed chilled at 12°C in a wine glass or mix over ice with a slice of orange. To assist you in enjoying the Bristol Cream Sherry it at its best temperature, the "Harveys" name on the front label will turn blue. Let's see how this sweet cream Sherry from Spain is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

HARVEYS BRISTOL CREAM SHERRY - DO Jerez-Xeres-Sherry, Spain (#215483) (S) (750 mL) - $18.45 $16.45 until Mar. 26
Screw cap. Blend of 80% Palomino and 20% Pedro Ximenez, the medium-high intensity nose has sweet aromas of caramel, fig, burnt sugar, golden raisin, hazelnut, and floral tones. It's medium+ bodied with a sweet flavour profile of caramel, molasses, fig, hazelnut, golden raisin, and floral flavours. It has balanced acidity and some warmth on the creamy mid-palate, but still within balance, while the delicious flavour replays come through on the smooth, nutty, dry-ish, and long-lasting finish. This recommended buy is best enjoyed nicely chilled. Score: 88+ pts

Other lovely Harveys Sherrys can be ordered through their Agent - Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits.