Modern Spanish Producers Tasting Sydney

Albero is the passion-project of local Spanish importer, Scott Wasley in conjunction with famed Manzanilla Bodega, Delgado Zuleta, and more specifically, a separate 275 year old solera called Barbiana solera - purchased in 1978 and kept separately ever since. Essentially, each year Wasley is given access to the solera to put together his own blend from this amazing vinous resource. In the first year, the blend was a mix of 5 of the 34 bota. That wine was a revelation, the en rama or non filtered Manzanilla is, in and of itself, such a departure from the water-clear, racy salty sherry we've become accustomed.

The en rama element means the wine is brassy golden in colour signalling a rich and earthy vibe running from aromatic through to the textured palate. The 2022 version is another beauty but it's different to previous years. Richer, more masculine and boasting a deep seated resonating set of flavours. There's a beautiful aromatic of orange and lemon rind, whiskey esthers and retaining an unmistakable spary of the ocean sewn into every mouthfull. Like hot sun drying salt and sand on your skin in the height of summer. MICHAEL MCNAMARA, PWS

Big fan of Jumilla Monastrell, there's great Monastrell made in Spain, with a ton of character. This particular Monastrell; concentrated with red and dark berries, balanced with a touch of chocolate and savoury components. Great wine and food pairing!  NICK CAPEL, PWS SYDNEY

The grapes are from 13 plots of Monastrell vineyards in La Raja (where the winery is located) between the mountain ranges of El Carche and La Pila. The vines range from 20 to 70 years old sitting at 800 metres, within the wine region D.O. Jumilla, in the south of Spain. Steel tank ferment with 5 months in small French oak.

Red licorice, pastille fruits, and a hint of charry savouriness and scorched earth layered in with sweet, heady spice. Black cherry, black raspberry fruit paint the palate then slowly melt away to reveal spice box and savory herbs then rushes back in with plum, blackberry compote, blueberrie, and blackcurrant that bring the finale to a luxurious finish that trails off with some dark chocolate, and tobacco.