Following that, the sommelier noted my interest in a 30 year Palo Cortado sherry form Bodega Tradicion, which she duly served us with a cheese plate as an accompaniment. I have to be honest, I fail to understand the distinct lack of interest in sherry in the US, a drink like this particular one is such a treat, so incredibly complex and satisfying, with great character and immense depth to it. I could tell that hardly anyone orders it as she was really excited when I asked her about it. Anyway, here's a quick tasting note for a truly marvellous beverage:
Dark orange/amber colour, with a stunning, oxidised nose of bitter nuts, citrus, candied fruits and something else, maybe marzipan. The palate is light in body, and is equally stunning and complex, kind of a salty citrus, with apricots and lots of bitter nuts, almonds, on the finish; light and fresh, very enlivening actually, the sort of drink you could easily drink a lot of without realising what you are doing - stunning. In fact its so good it has to be worth a trip back to The Gage just for another glass.
I'm waiting for Chicago's first sherry bar to open up,like the new Bar Pepito in London. Maybe then a new market in the US might emerge, and we can have access to more of this great style. The chances of getting a fresh bottle of a Fino or a Manzanilla here is about the same as England's chances of winning the World Cup this summer: zero.
