This plush, complex vermouth has a pleasing, piercing aromatic character. It offers intense exotic spices, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, dried fig and cocoa. Sip it over ice or use it in a cocktail.

This British take on the Andalusian Rebujito cocktail (a blending of sherry and lemon-lime soda) combines Croft Fino sherry with elderflower, lemon and mint into a delightful sparkling cocktail. Clean, refreshing and complex, this ready-to-pour cocktail is the perfect host gift or celebration starter!

Vilarnau uses native yeasts to ferment the Viura, Xarel-lo and Parellada grapes in this stylish Cava. There are many layers to unravel in this lovely wine; look for notes of yellow apple, biscuits, and hints of jasmine.[The Sakura Japan Women's Wine Awards did not include a tasting note.] Score - Double Gold. (Sakura Japan Women's Wine Awards, 2022)

With a fair share of figgy sweetness, this falls toward the rich end of dry Oloroso. Yet it's also firm and electric, with mineral notes of stone and chalk. Pour it with the cheese course. Score - 90. (Tasting panel, wineandspiritsmagazine.com, Oct. 2015)

Though not believed to be native to Rueda, Verdejo has truly flourished there and is grown virtually nowhere else. It's often blended with Viura or Sauvignon Blanc, but this example is 100% Verdejo. It shows pear, grapefruit, tropical fruit, and garden herbs and is ideal for sushi.

Another arch-classic bottling from González-Byass, medium-sweet as advertised, balanced by the pleasantly bitter-nutty-caramelized flavours of such long, oxidative barrel ageing. The finish lingers on and on, and complexity is excellent in the category. Enjoy lightly chilled with cured ham and hard cheeses, or slow-braised game dishes with lots of matching umami. Tasted January 2024. Score - 91. (John Szabo, MS, winealign.com)

Clear pale lemon colour; floral notes with forward aromas of toasted nuts and rising dough with chamomile and herbal notes; bone dry with nutty, citrus and briny notes; medium to full body with a long warm finish.