Bodegas Grant, La Garrocha, Amontillado, Medium Dry, Sherry, El Puerto de Santa Maria, Jerez-Xeres-Sherry, Spain.
The Bodegas Grant has been making fine Sherries since 1841 and their La Garrocha label is a tribute to the local Andalusian dance on horseback, current proprietor Edmundo Grand continues his family’s long traditions and the Bodega crafts some of the best value in small batch Sherry. I love the whole line from crisp Fino to rich, oil Oloroso, but I especially like this fabulous La Garrocha Amontillado, it is a steal at about $15 or so on the shelf. The Grant Amontillado La Garrocha starts with a dark amber hue, a heady bouquet of the ocean, almonds and warm honey with a hint of marmalade and flowers leading to a dry, but rich palate of roosted pecans, walnut, orange rind, hazelnut, stone fruit,sea salt, brine and peach tart. This is decedent Sherry that goes with many moods and foods, I had it with a spicy sardines on flat bread, but it would pair with cheeses too, as well as be a great pre or post dinner sipper. The medium dry style Amontillado is very flexible, feeling nicely balanced with a subtle play of savory, bitter and richness, but with a long finish that leaves a lingering oily/nutty/honeycomb aftertaste and has you dreaming of the south of Spain, this a very pleasing and reliable Sherry, drink now and often.
($16 Est. 375ml.) 92 Points, grapelive
