Valdespino is one of sherry's great bodegas. Their 2016 Miraflores is both extraordinary and rare.
There's no doubt that sherry can get complicated, and the region is undergoing such a renaissance that there's plenty of experimentation happening. With that in mind, let's say right away: this is a single vintage and single vineyard fino sherry from Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
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As many of you know, Manzanillas are fino sherries made close to the ocean, in Sanlúcar. These are the most delicate, feather-weight dry sherries out there. The ocean influence brings a bracing, sea-breeze-imbued note to the citrus-almond core.
The 2016 is sourced from one of Sanlúcar's most famous pagos (vineyards), Miraflores. The Miraflores vineyard has enjoyed centuries of renown for the delicacy and finesse of the wines it produces. The legendary Manzanilla Pasadas from La Bota are primarily sourced from this vineyard.
The 2016 Miraflores marks the second release of a single vintage from the Miraflores. Valdespino has beautifully captured the ocean-tinged minerality, subtlety, and elegance of the great Miraflores vineyard. To the lithe and sleek framework, they've added some serious intensity.
The regulations dictate that the barrels for single vintage sherries must be sealed thus removing them from being replenished with younger wines that manzanilla sherries typically receive. This causes them to grow more concentrated and helps explain the intensity on display here.
This is an utterly beautiful example of Manzanilla. Very little was produced and very little came into this country. Don't miss this!
To order, email offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.
Joe Salamone
Wine Buyer
Crush Wine & Spirits