Emilio Lustau Lustau East India Solera Sherry NV 750ml

Readers looking for something weighty, sweet, and provocative should check out the non-vintage East India Solera. A blend of soleras averaging 15 to 50 years of age, it boasts a dark amber color as well as a huge nose of melted toffee, caramel, figs, and prunes. This over-the-top yet surprisingly vibrant (because of good acidity) effort is best drunk as dessert at the end of a meal.

Rich and concentrated with coffee and caramel flavors in a balanced presentation. Picks up a grilled nut accent on the finish. Solid and complex, but not cloying. Drink now.

This traditional wine from Lustau is made in the Cream style. It’s dark and pretty, with PX-ish prune and caramel aromas. It’s not as thick as Pedro Ximénez, and thus isn’t syrupy. But it’s certainly rich and full of cookie, molasses, maple and brown sugar flavors. For anyone who likes a sweet Sherry that’s balanced, this is a good place to go.