NV Gonzalez-Byass Palomino Fino Jerez-Xérès-Sherry Tío Pepe (Muy Seco-Extra Dry)

Community Tasting Note

Xavier Auerbach wrote:

89 Points

Saturday, June 8, 2013 - Radiant pale white gold, green tinge; wonderfully fresh nose, classic aromatic profile of green apple, white almond, field flowers and brine; on the palate relatively full-bodied and not as precise and delineated as a Fino can be or perhaps should be ideally, just a bit soft and easy, but it manages to be both dry and approachable, with quite intense flavours of green olive and brine; very good length. Everything you could hope for from a commercial Fino.

Post a Comment /
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue (5,172 views)

5 comments have been posted

Comment posted by Harley1199:

6/9/2013 10:35:00 AM - Hi there Xavier,
Just a little question, I understood you consider a commercial wine, whatever it is, can't be an outstanding wine.
According with that why so good comments?
Perhaps this modest Tio Pepe is very good despite everything.
Authenticity is inside these bottles I think.
Sherries like Navazos haven't any soul. Like robots :-)
Cheers,
Comment posted by Xavier Auerbach:

6/9/2013 11:02:00 AM - Hi Harley1199, thanks for your comment. What I was trying to say is that a "commercial" wine must cater to many tastes, those of the cognoscenti and those of the uninitiated, and that Tio Pepe strikes the balance admirably. I like it very much, QPR is great, but my personal preference (as you will have gathered) is for something a little less "friendly". Cheers, Xavier
Comment posted by Harley1199:

6/9/2013 12:14:00 PM - Hi again Xavier,
I got it.

How much for a Tio Pepe there? Just trying to fix what's a good QpR...
Here less than 6€. I'm curious as ever...
About Tío Pepe I've to say that this uncomplicated sherry is a good glass usually.
As a Fino, never a regreat, complains either.
May I ask for the style of Sherry you love the most? Very often it helps me to understand what's going on people that loves Jerez
Cheers until the last drop!
Comment posted by Xavier Auerbach:

6/9/2013 1:06:00 PM - Hi there Harley1199, in the Netherlands Tio Pepe is more expensive than that, but € 8-9 will still not break the bank. As for personal preference: I like bone dry and precise and I don't mind austerity. Manzanilla en Rama, Palo Cortado Viejisimo by Gutierrez Colosia, Amontillado Reliquia by Barbadillo and Oloroso 1968 by Gonzalez Byass should give you the right idea. It can go too far however; I have found the Amontillado Coliseo by Valdespino barely drinkable.
Comment posted by Harley1199:

6/9/2013 2:31:00 PM - Hi Xavier,
The bank isn't going to bust for Tio Pepe... Agree ;-)
So good things you love... I asked for styles and you kind answer is plenty of different winemakers with their better beverages. Maybe the question wasn't very clear. Sorry about it.
Good for you if are drinking those gorgeous sherries regularly.
Going back to Tio Pepe, we're legion gere thinking that is the epitome of Fino style, the standard, the mirrow where everybody wants to look up.
Of course, it isn't the more complex, neither the only one but a honest Fino. If comparing, I assume it will be with its pairs.
Btw, did you try Tio Pepe en Rama?
Cheers,