We're about to visit the US and of course I want to buy some gems to bring home. I've loved the Pedro Ximinez anada, Noe and some other big, rich, thick Spanish dessert wines and would like to get more. What would you recommend?

Don't know, but it is a timely post as we are considering making a side trip to Jerez when we visit Spain in October.

Lustau has a PX that is widely available and correct, if not stunning. Also, Toro Albala's "Don PX" is currently available in a '72 vintage that is stunning and an excellent value. You may be able to find the '71 and '79 vintages as well; the '71 (excellent) is the only one I can vouch for, however.

Try www.classicalwines.com, the importer. They should be able to point you to a local vendor.

There are a couple fine PX sherries available in the Chicago area that you could pick up when you visit for Otis' CDP. The 1927 Alvear Pedro Ximenez Solera Sherry is a great deal at $17 per 500ml. The 1972 Toro Albala's "Don PX" is also available for about $30-35 per 750ml. Both are at the Sams Wine in Chicago.

VM

Thanks for the recommendations guys, keep 'em coming!

VM - we'll be staying at a hotel very near chez Otis, and I noticed that there's a Binny's nearby that should offer some of these wines (they're mentioned on their website, at least), and of course others, too (halves of 94 Graham's caught my eye, for example). Is there a Sams Wine near there too? We plan to spend some time shopping on Sunday but don't want to spend too long driving around, never mind getting lost

My two favorites are the Lustau East India (which is available in Ontario though)and the Gonzalez-Byass Matusalem (was $27 for a half-bottle a few months ago at SAQ).

Just as a side note, I have found in the past that good sherries are more expensive in the US than in Canada. Make sure the prices you pay are fair.

Bman- there is a Sam's in Highland Park, about 10 minutes North of Otis. There are a few Binny's around- one on Dempster just east of 94, and one at Dempster and Waukegan, West of 94. Check the websites of both.

I will probably be at the one on Dempster east of 94 next monday. If you want to shoot me an email about specific wines I can check for you. I think you have my address.

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Thanks grossie - I don't think that I do have your address. If you'd rather not provide it again, please let me know and I'll give you mine (or you can get it from your brother!)

The Binny's website doesn't seem to allow me to search for wines by store. There is a store in Highland Park at the Cross Roads Shopping Centre, which seems to be the closest to chez Otis, so if there's a Sams there too, then perhaps I'd try to hit both of them (while the ladies are shopping at the outlet mall that also seems to be nearby)

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bman- dr underscore grossie at yahoo dot com

I'm not familiar with the Binny's in highland park. Binny's doesn't allow you to shop by store, but if you buy online they will allow you to pick it up the store of your choosing. That doesn't mean it was in stock at that particular store, it just means they'll move it for you.

I was on holiday next to Jerez a few weeks ago! VERY nice over there

If you can find, try the

Lustau Murillo PX 100 anos !

The best PX I've ever had! But unfortunately I think this is only available in Spain. You should also try the

A. Domeq 1730 Reserve PX

A pretty good PX for the money! The 1972 Don PX is really massive! Had a bottle opened at home for about 6 month and it losts nothing of his breathtaking intensity.

Thanks for the advice, grossie, and for the point of contact. I think I'll peruse the website this weekend and try to have some stuff sent to whichever store is most convenient to our hotel. And thanks for offering to check this out for me.

Just ordered some 94 Graham, 1927 Alvear and Alvear anada jerezs, as well as some Mollydooker, Kilikanoon and Ridge zins. and a styrofoam case to move them all!

I'll get some others once I'm at the shop. Still need some pinot noir and some more zins. The Visa is taking a beating....