Jerez:
The annual Big Fortified Tasting (BFT), held in London, is always a great opportunity to taste some really interesting fortified wines. However since the wines are high in alcohol, there is a limit to the number I can comfortably taste, even though I am careful to spit out. This year I chose to concentrate on some of the excellent range of sherries on show choosing to taste from those bodegas that I haven't visited during the #winelover trip to Jerez in mid-February. I then finished with the Quevedo Ports that Oscar Quevedo was showing.
Firstly – Bodegas Tradición
This is a small bodega, which has recently been revived, but that dates back to 1650. I tasted a lovely fresh, complex Fino, a good Amontillado and a very special Oloroso – see below.
A series of great sherries from Viniberia, selected by Peter Dauthieu:
Attractive, fresh but characterful Fino from Sánchez Romate – just £8.50 a bottle from The Wine Society.
Excellent Amontillado from Sánchez Romate – lovely nutty, texture.
Palo Cortado – an attractive and striking blend of rich texture and an austere finish.
Very fine aged Oloroso – texture with a lovely blend of richness, power and austerity. £40 a bottle from The Wine Society.
Valdespino – one of my favourite Sherry producers:
The 2015 Manzanilla En Rama showing brilliantly at the moment.
Palo Cortado Viejo: lovely balance of power and texture.
Two very special Sherries with concentration, texture and impressive length.
Ports from Quevedo:
From Port producer Quevedo I particularly enjoyed the complex 30 Year Old Port as well as the dense Crusted Port with its preserved cherry character.
