The NV Rare Sherry Solera India Oloroso blends Palomino and Pedro Ximenez grapes in a solera created in 1922, averaging 25 years of age. It wears a dark mahogany robe with green and amber edges. The nose shows good balance between bitter and sweet notes, nuts, spices (curry perhaps?), noble woods, molasses and a touch of candied fruits and brandy. The palate has hints of a very old wine, complex and concentrated, with a touch of volatility that lifts it up, quite common in such old wines, with good balance between acidity and sweetness. It is a unique bottle. A high end cream? Drink 2013-2025. Osborne is one of the classical names in Puerto de Santamaria, one of the greatest names in the history of Sherry, Brandy, and the iconic silhouette of the huge black bull that truffles the Spanish roads id one of the stereotypical images of the Spain of the 70s and 80s. The venerable history was initiated by Englishman Thomas Osborne, who started shipping his Sherries in 1804. Today the company has diversified its business and produces Port in the Douro, wines in different regions in Spain, is still a market leader in the Brandy business, and has interest in other products, spirits, cured meats of first quality (5J, Sanchez Romero Carvajal), mineral water and restaurants, so the Sherries might sometimes be overlooked. As part of the globalization of the big Sherry and Brandy companies and the mergers and acquisitions, Osborne purchased the flagship soleras and brands of the VORS wines from the now deceased Pedro Domecq, Amontillado 51-1A, Capuchino Palo Cortado, Sibarita Oloroso and Sibarita Pedro Ximenez, which for some consumers is a little confusing, as they kind of compete with the existing Osborne line of VORS Sherries, and they even seem to be sold at similar prices. Imported by Evaton, Inc., Stamford, CT; tel. (203) 968-8220