Osborne Rare Palo Cortado PAP 1911 NV

The Palo Cortado, sherry’s most beautiful accident, is a wine that began its life intended to be a Fino. Somewhere along the line, without explanation, the flor died, leaving it to age oxidatively much like an amontillado – but having aged much longer under flor than the typical amontillado would have. This particular solera was from 6 forgotten sherry butts destined for England which never made the trip. The “PΔP” designates “Palo Cortado,” delta for the Sherry Triangle, and the winery’s location in Puerto Santa Maria. 

92% Palomino, 8% Pedro Ximenez. Vines tended in albariza soil at 70 m (230 ft) elevation from the Pago Balbaina.

This Palo Cortado is part of the personal stores of the Osborne family, until very recently not made commercially available. At least 30 years average age at bottling from 3 criaderas set in 1911 and forgotten at the winery for decades. Only 50 botas remain in these criaderas. Miniscule amounts are bottled, and fewer every year because of the shrinking solera that feeds it. From the addition of PX, this also has a hint of sweetness which is very rare in a Palo Cortado. The elegance and brightness of this Palo Cortado, combined with its length and complexity, make it a beautiful pair for dry-aged beef. Cured meats and aged cheeses are also excellent pairs.