Gonzalez Byass Néctar Pedro Ximénez Dulce NV (Spain) - 4 $21.95 ★★★★★

WHEN IT COMES to sherry you are tasting on a spectrum from light and lithe fino to the rich and luscious PX and everything in between. In this case, indulgence won the day – but when does it not, especially at this time of year? Is there a more ‘treat yourself’ season than Christmas? After yet another year of pandemic mayhem, I think we deserve it. If you’re a sweet tooth looking for something with which to treat yourself, you’re not going to go wrong with a sherry that has both ‘Nectar’ and ‘Dulce’ (the Spanish word for sweet) as part of the title. Sherry – in order to be called sherry – must come from a region in southwest Spain called ‘The Sherry Triangle’. This protected designation of origin ensures that only true sherry comes from this region. Anything else is a sherry-style fortified wine. Rest assured this sherry is the real deal, hailing from Jerez and made with 100% Pedro Ximénez grapes and aged for an average of eight years in American oak barrels in the traditional solera system. Boasting a whopping 370 grams of residual sugar, this luscious delight has an opaque almost black colour which is viscous in the glass and the slightest swirl reveals aromas of green tea, raisins and figs. These aromas flow through to the palate to meet flavours of ripe dates and a fascinating saltiness that provides support with the sweetness through the palate. An incredible sherry with wonderful balance and lip-smacking moreishness. (A)

2 / Lustau Pedro Ximénez San Emilio NV (Spain) ★★★★ - 2 $35

Syrupy treacle clinging to the sides with a slight green hue in the light – the delightful hallmarks of a PX in the glass. Delicious dried fruits, raisins and fruit cake nuances, intense syrup character and wonderful acid balance to carry all that sweetness and power. (B)

3 / De Bortoli Show Liqueur Muscat NV (Australia) ★★★★ - 5 $33

A rich amber hue with aromas of dates, raisins, figs and roasted hazelnuts. A good intensity of flavours without being too dense or heavy on the palate. Just a touch of creamy vanilla oak on an otherwise spirituous finish. A fantastic and rich muscat that warmly envelopes the palate. (C)

Those wines offering an outstanding mix of quality and price are awarded Best Buy status. Price points differ, depending on the varietal, but if you see the Best Buy sticker you can rest assured you’re getting a great wine at an excellent price. Look out for the sticker on wine bottles at all good wine retailers.