Tasting Report: Red Wines of Chile, 2011 Releases
Recently I had the opportunity to attend a live, online tasting event featuring the red wines of Chile. While Chile is primarily known as Cabernet country, I was surprised to find that it is home to several other widely-planted grapes. Its Pinot Noirs shocked me with their sophistication and quality. Its Syrahs, however, were another…
Tasting Report: Wines of Roessler, 2011 Releases
Sonoma’s Roessler is a hidden gem in the region, but it’s no small fry: The winery bottles nearly 20 wines with fruit sourced from all over California — and Oregon. Specializing in Pinot Noir, the winery employs hands-off winemaking techniques and the results speak for themselves. We tasted seven recent vintages stretching from its southern…
Review: Jose Cuervo Tradicional Silver Tequila (2011)
Some years ago, Jose Cuervo launched a tequila that was unique for its time: 100% agave, affordable, and available everywhere. For a nation that grew up on the cheap mixto that is Cuervo Gold, this was something else. But Cuervo Tradicional was available only as a reposado. No blanco, no anejo. Just the middle, lightly…
Review: No. 209 and No. 209 Kosher Gin
Passover begins tonight, but those among you who keep kosher during the period may be surprised to find that you can still drink your gin and tonic during the week. No. 209 is one of the only kosher gins in the world (Gordon’s is also on the list) — and it’s the only spirit maker…
Review: Forty Creek Barrel Select and Double Barrel Reserve Canadian Whisky
Canadian whisky outfit Forty Creek has been winning awards hand over fist for its high-quality whiskys, available at reasonable prices. We took at look at the company’s two current releases (another is coming soon), to see what all the fuss was about. Both are 80 proof. Forty Creek Barrel Select Canadian Whisky – A real…
Review: Three New Argentina Malbecs, 2011 Releases
Don’t cry for me, Argentina: These wines are all made using sustainable practices and will be on shelves just in time for both World Malbec Day (4/17) and Earth Day (4/20). Drink up! 2010 Bodini Malbec Mendoza – 2010? For real. This screwcap wine offers minimal character, a somewhat watery wine that smells of simple…
Review: 2009 Villa Mt. Eden Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
This Pinot from Villa Mt. Eden is certainly drinkable, if workmanlike. Dusty and chalky, its earthier characteristics overpower the fruit in the wine, which is on the dark and raisiny side for a Pinot, which should be bright and tart. The finish is moderate, but drying, again overshadowing the fruit in the wine. B- /…
Review: Effen Cucumber Vodka
Holland’s Effen expands its line of flavored vodkas — the black cherry version is insanely popular — with this unlikely extension: Cucumber Vodka. Effen isn’t the first cucumber flavored vodka on the market — Square One makes a good one — but this isn’t half bad. Read the fine print and you’ll see that Effen…
