Palenqueros Tobala - Baltazar Cruz

Item: Palenqueros Tobala - Baltazar Cruz
Rating: 4.0
Author: The Editors

House tobalá at 48.5%. Concentrated and legibly potatorum

Score: 4.0/5 agaves

Producer: Palenqueros
Maestro: Baltazar Cruz Gomez
Region: San Luis del Rio, Oaxaca
Agave: Tobala
ABV: 48.5%
Price: $89 ($$)

Verdict

Tobalá lives or dies at the proof ceiling and Palenqueros respects the ceiling. The house version here clears the bar most commercial tobalás miss, not as specific as the Alberto Ortiz single-maestro bottling below, but a more economical entry to potatorum at real quality. Reach for it before the Ortiz bottle if budget matters.

A reference-grade tobalá without the single-maestro tax

Tasting notes

Nose: Honey. Then melon rind, gravel, a floral ring

Palate: The proof gives the species the concentration it asks for, high-floral top, mineral spine, honeyed mid-palate, dry finish

Finish: Minerally, floral. Long

The bottom line

Buy. Among the best non-specialist tobalás at this proof

Where to buy online

We found this bottle at 1 US retailer. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.

Astor Wines