La Bota Sherry - Singular Brilliance

The people behind the La Bota series know sherry backward and forward.

They presented the world with some of sherry's greatest treasures. They've not only unearthed epic sherries but have also expanded the horizon of what the wines of sherry country can offer. Every release from La Bota has an emphatic and unforgettably unique personality.

Today, I'm happy to explore a range of their releases, including many of our favorites. 

The list covers everything from Manzanilla to Palo Cortado. 

La Bota's Manzanilla Pasada releases are well represented. These are among our favorites from La Bota. Jesús Barquin, a sherry scholar and one of La Bota's founders, was in the store many years ago and said this about the solera that the Pasadas originate from: "This is very special. I don't know of anything else like it in sherry country."

The Manzanilla Pasadas are some of the most profound wines you'll ever encounter. The Pasadas exist in a thrilling liminal stage between energetic Manzanillas and deeper and darker Amontillados. What results is a thrilling saline cut with a mesmerizing depth of complexity.

Similar in style is the #85 Fino Amontillado. Another sherry that exists in this liminal zone between vigorous youth and the complexity that comes with age. This is a wine that hails from Montilla, a region that is planted with Pedro Ximenez (whereas the Palomino grape is planted in Jerez and Sanlúcar). Wines from Montilla are not fortified (unlike those of Sanlucar and Jerez) and compared to Palomino, PX also brings with it more richness and dried fruit flavors.

Also, hailing from Montilla is the really old Palo Cortado #86. Wines age slightly differently in Montilla and the old wines don't possess quite the brutal intensity as examples from Jerez or Sanlucar. The #86 comes from a single barrel and has a shocking elegance and silky complexity. 

These are some of the most fascinating and haunting wines around. They are also extremely limited. Please give us your ideal order, and we'll try our best. 

To order, email offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.

Joe Salamone
Wine Buyer
Crush Wine & Spirits