Royal Esmeralda Amontillado VOS - Sandeman

Sandeman Royal Esmeralda Amontillado is without a doubt one of my favorite dry amontillados. It brings to mind the beaches along the south Atlantic coast that I spent time as a kid. It has notes of pine and salt air on the nose along with toasted almonds and caramel. The palate brings to mind that same salt air, pine trees under a hot sun, hazelnut skins, spice and pipe tobacco. Great acidity and balance with a lingering finish of nuts and dried tobacco.  This comes from a solera that dates back to the late 1800's and a very limited number of bottles are released each year.  Each bottled is numbered.