The House of Osborne was founded in 1772 by Thomas Osborne and has been continuously family owned and operated ever since. The Pedro Jiminez Viejo VORS which comes from a solera started in 1905. Nearly black in color, this stunning effort has an other-worldly nose of dates, figs, toffee, and marmalade. Viscous and sweet, it needs no accompaniment. Beware! A little of this elixir goes a long way. Importer: W.J. Deutsch & Sons, White Plains, NY; tel. (914) 251-9463

The NV Rare Sherry Pedro Ximenez VORS, produced from Pedro Ximenez grapes and aged for an average of over 30 years in a solera, is very dark, opaque mahogany-colored. The overall feeling is that of a very old wine (most probably exceeding the required age for the VORS category). It displays a complex nose of subtle noble wood aromas, complemented by Belgian chocolate, balsamic notes, roasted coffee and dates. It has a very spicy palate, and is full and concentrated. Production is 450 bottles per year. Drink 2013-2021. 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