Only 600 Bottles Produced - Singular La Bota Release:
Vinagre Viejisimo Moscatel Bota No #126 Half-Bottles

The people behind the La Bota series know sherry backwards and forwards.

They presented the world with some of sherry's 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.

Vinagre de Jerez is one of the region's gastronomical treasures, but as Equipo Navazos wrote on their website, they had long wanted to bottle some of the extraordinary examples stored in the Páez Morilla bodega. However, even for this intrepid group, it took some time to muster the courage to release vinegars.  Their first release was a Bota “No” (#106), followed by #112. The recent focus on sherry vinegars represents some of the most inspired selections to date.

Today, we’re excited to offer the La Bota Vinagre Viejisimo Moscatel Bota No #126. I should warn you from the outset that availability is extremely limited - only 600 half-bottles were produced. 

The #126 is sourced from a single extraordinary barrel that’s around fifty years old. The "NO" designation indicates that it shouldn't be treated like the other barrels due to its special qualities. This barrel is drawn from and replenished differently, and this develops further complexity. Vinegars like this are often used to give character to younger ones, but this one has been bottled as is, without watering it down at all.

Compared to the previous two releases, the #126 is endowed with more aromatic complexity due to the use of the Moscatel grape and an extra dimension from the roundness that its gentle balancing sweetness brings. There's also a touch of remaining alcohol. 

This is an incredibly concentrated and intense vinegar that's intended to be used in drops. It brings a haunting complexity when used to finish braises. When used judiciously, it brings an incredible amount of depth to dishes along with the soaring aromatics that you would expect.

At the start, there were no commercial ambitions behind Equipo Navazos. It was simply a group of sherry-obsessed friends who wanted to get their hands on some incredible Amontillado that they had stumbled upon in a bodega. However, word was soon out about the gems they were finding in the region's bodegas.

Many of their releases have been absolutely shocking even to people very knowledgeable about sherry, like the Manzanilla Pasada "Bota Punta," a Fino-Amontillado based on PX, and an old, very complex cream sherry along with incredible spirit releases.

The Vinagre de Jerez Gran Reserva Bota No #126 stands as one of their most ambitious releases and has to be included among the world's great vinegars.

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

Joe Salamone
Wine Buyer
Crush Wine & Spirits