Fino del Puerto ‘3 En Rama 2016’ (Lustau)

3 En Rama - El Puerto This Fino is matured in the Bodega del Drago, located less than a mile from the beach of El Puerto de Santa María. This city has a moderate climate and is the closest you can get to the sea in the sherry triangle. Hence intense coastal aromas and often a very typical diesel-like note, not unlike what you can get in Riesling wines.

It is a selection of butts from the solera of Lustau’s commonly available Puerto Fino. The wine has an average age of 5 years.

3 En Rama Fino del Puerto – Spring 2016
(15,5%, Lustau, 50 cl)

Nose: plenty of sea spray, aromas of sea shells and seaweed. Softened by a hint of apple. A light petrol note as well, typical for this part of the sherry triangle. Wet limestone and hints of oak. It may not be the most complex nose but I love its balance and restrained power.

Mouth: more powerful than expected, almost entirely on coastal notes, green olives and a peppery / oaky tingle. Maybe also the most alcoholic of the three, but it’s never rough. It gains smoothness and some almond sweetness in the background. A subtle smoky hint as well? Long finish, salty and briney.

Availability: limited of course. Around € 20 for a 50 cl bottle.

Summary: A very intense Fino del Puerto this year, with highly typical characteristics including the specific diesel-like aroma. Not the most complex of the trio - probably the most unique though. Should be great with sushi.

4

Very good

Tags: 15.5%, 2016, 3 En Rama, El Puerto de Santa Maria, Fino, Fino del Puerto, Lustau

About the Author

Ruben is a Certified Sherry Educator who fell in love with sherry some 25 years ago, but switched to a higher gear in 2013 and started writing about it. Lived in Madrid for a couple of years, now back in Belgium. I also run a whisky blog over at www.whiskynotes.be