Palo Cortado

Bodega Valdespino is one of the oldest bodegas in Jérez, originating in 1264, when King Alfonso X gave Don Alfonso Valdespino the gift of land in the City of Jérez.  In 1999, Valdespino was bought by Grupo Estévez who were able to fund and maintain the traditional methods for which Valdespino is famous. Valdespino Sherries remain among the very best quality available, and Inocente is still one the best Fino in the market, as well as being the only Sherry to be produced from the grapes of a single vineyard. 

Palo Cortado is a rare and marvelous wine that combines the delicate nose of Amontillado with the structured mouthfeel of Oloroso. As a meditation wine, it must be enjoyed slowly to experience the most mysterious nuances characteristic of sherry wine.

Very rich and complex. I get the Oloroso side first: more than a hint of toffee / caramel sweetness, dried figs and almond paste. Hints of roasted coffee. After a while the Amontillado side grows stronger, with some iodine tingle, subtle acetaldehydes and a light citric tang. Also waxy notes, a hint of balsamic and exotic spices. There’s a hint of damp cellars as well. Pretty great, it shows a high intensity but everything is perfectly balanced.