Maguey Melate Tepextate - Reina Sanchez

Verdict

Reyna Sánchez's name belongs in any honest conversation about who's making the best tepextate in Oaxaca right now. This bottle is 48% of clean, committed marmorata – every floral and stone note is where it should be and nothing is padded. Pour it next to Hermógenes Vásquez in the same program and you're tasting two sides of San Luis Amatlán at its ceiling. Commit, and honor the maestra by name.

Tasting notes

Nose: Bright jasmine, then wet stone, sweet pepper, cooked apricot

Palate: 48% driving every floral and mineral note the marmorata has – Reyna's cut is exacting, the mid-palate dense and articulate, the San Luis Amatlán signature unmistakable

Finish: Stony, floral, cooling

The bottom line

Take it