Equipo Navazos La Bota 115 Fino, Jerez

The NV La Bota de Fino 115 is still 100% from Macharnudo Alto, and they are trying to make a slightly more fluid wine, not like a Fino Amontillado, which was the case with some bottlings coming from the selection of very old soleras. It's slightly different from the previous edition, number 91; this is slightly younger, between seven and eight years of age, but it keeps the same style, just a little more approachable. It's still an old Fino, with notes of esparto grass and volume in the palate. 6,000 bottles produced. This was bottled in August 2022 in 0.75-liter bottles.

95 points Luis Gutiérrez, The Wine Advocate

This saca (withdrawal) was made in August 2022 from the same bodega in Jerez de la Frontera that has produced every previous edition of La Bota de Fino. The first release was bottled in 2006 as No. 2 in the series. This release comes from a selection made by Eduardo Ojeda, who has made this wine from the beginning, drawing on casks from the usual solera together with some younger criaderas from the Macharnudo Alto estate. The aim is always a blend of finesse, freshness, and character, and the average age is close to eight years. Complex, intense aromas on the nose, and a remarkable roundness on the palate, with the traditional buttery touch of mature finos. A wine for those who get it! Bottled en rama, to preserve its golden colour and racy character.

The story of Equipo Navazos began with two friends, Jesús Barquín and Eduardo Ojeda, exploring the old bodegas of Andalusia in search of extraordinary wines that rarely reached the outside world. Since 2005, their numbered La Bota releases have become essential drinking for anyone fascinated by traditional Spanish wines. Rather than pursuing a consistent house style, they select individual casks and small batches that reveal the remarkable diversity of the region's ageing soleras. La Bota No. 115 is a fine example of their approach, a mature Fino that demonstrates just how much character and complexity this seemingly delicate style can develop.

Made from Palomino Fino, the wine comes from the traditional solera system of Jerez, where it ages beneath flor, a protective layer of yeast that prevents oxidation while contributing the distinctive savoury aromas of Fino. Extended biological ageing develops concentration and depth without sacrificing the freshness that makes the style so appealing. Compared with a youthful, commercially produced Fino, La Bota 115 has greater texture, intensity and complexity, while retaining the bone dry, saline personality that makes these wines such wonderful companions to food.

Bright golden straw with delicate amber reflections. Freshly baked sourdough, toasted almond and dried chamomile mingle with lemon peel, green olive and a little sea spray. Hints of fennel, raw hazelnut and chalk emerge as the wine opens. The palate is bone dry and wonderfully concentrated, with citrus zest, almond skin and a distinctly savoury, almost briny character. There is impressive texture without heaviness, supported by lively acidity and a fine mineral edge. The finish is long, clean and penetrating, leaving lingering notes of bitter almond, dried herbs and sea salt.

Fresh oysters, grilled prawns with garlic, anchovies on sourdough or calamari with lemon and parsley would all be wonderful companions. Jamón Ibérico, green olives and toasted Marcona almonds are equally convincing, while artichokes dressed with olive oil and lemon make a particularly interesting match. Serve well chilled in a generous white wine glass and enjoy the way its savoury character comes alive alongside food.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2030. Although it has already benefited from extended ageing, Fino is generally most rewarding while its delicate flor character remains fresh. Once opened, refrigerate and enjoy within several days to a week.