Coppery topaz in colour. Vibrant nutty pecan aromas. Slightly bitter hints in the mouth, reminiscent of dark chocolate, with great length. Emilio Lustau is one of Spain's greatest Sherry bodegas and is named after Don Emilio Lustau Ortega who founded the family estate in 1896. Renowned for the quality of their Sherries, Emilio Lustau is probably best known for pioneering the Almacenista system, whereby individual dry Sherries are produced from small private holdings. These are bottled under Lustau's name but with the individual bodegas name on the label as well. In addition to their standard range of wines the estate also produces a stellar range of limited edition and Solera Reserva sherries which are amongst the finest wines in the region. A stellar producer of this famous wine style.

Bottled unfiltered with an average of 25 years, it opens with an intense with tobacco leaves, walnut and hazelnut underpinned by pepper and clove spice and notes of orange peel. The palate is dry with citrus peel and roasted nuts joined by super-fine, moreish savoury texture. It finishes with salty and intense close. It deserves the best jamón you can get your hands on.

Quinta do Noval is the go to Port house for those who prefer VP in a more elegant guise. 1995 was a terrific year at Noval and now almost 20 years old, it is a beautifully balanced and supple wine with a lush, plump texture and smooth, round tannins. Intense flavours of plums, raisins and dark chocolate abound with a hint of secondary development now peaking through.

Sercial produces the driest and most bracing Madeira style, and is best served as an aperitif, with tapas style dishes or seafood. It also works very well with Sashimi, consommés or soups.

It’s fleshy, with a round and velvety texture and a long, vibrant finish. Unfortified again, the nose throws hints of caramel, orange rind and toasted almonds. The palate is mellow and super-complex, with lively freshness and complex flavours of quince, bitter orange and loads of brown spice and tobacco notes. The finish is long and iodine-rich. Perfect to drink on its own or sensational with almonds, charcuterie and very mature cheese.