NETA Espadin - Candido García Cruz

Verdict

NETA's espadín is the category's answer to the question 'what does espadín cost to make correctly.' The price hurts, but the bottle stands up: one-palenque sourcing, high proof, specific batch codes, and production decisions that would be uneconomic at mass-market pricing. The ratio of what's in the glass to what's on the price tag is defensible. Consensus 4.1 matches our read. The bottle that closes the 'espadín is boring' conversation.

Tasting notes

Nose: Sweet cooked agave, then olive brine, white pepper

Palate: Dense, complex, saline, more layered than most espadíns have any right to be at this price

Finish: Savory, clean. Very long

The bottom line

Premium espadín with a justification in the glass

Where to buy online

We found this bottle at 4 US retailers. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.

• K&L Wines
• Astor Wines
• Old Town Tequila – $109.99
• Spec's