Review: 2020 Chalk Hill Estate Sauvignon Blanc
A much more evocative wine than last year’s expression of this wine, which was a little harsh. For 2020, Chalk Hill rolls out a rich and fruit-filled expression of sauvignon blanc, with notes of melon, gooseberry, and lemon curd all up front — tempered by saline and mineral notes. Well balanced between fruity and lightly…
Review: Branson Cognac, Complete Lineup
Branson (along with Le Chemin du Roi Champagne) is part of the Sire Spirits brand, which is famously owned by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. Branson Cognac is available in four expressions, all of which we received for review. Ready to get started? All are 80 proof. Branson Cognac Phantom – Essentially a VS bottling, this…
Review: Gary Farrell 2019 Chardonnay and 2018 Pinot Noir Single Vineyard Selections
We looked at these identical bottlings from Gary Farrell a year ago, only one vintage prior, respectively. Now they’re updated and back. Back into the fold we go! 2019 Gary Farrell Chardonnay Russian River Valley Olivet Lane Vineyard – Creamy, with lightly lemony notes running to apple, caramel, and lingering vanilla notes. The citrus doesn’t…
Review: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch A122 (January 2022)
After a pair of killer releases in 2021, can the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof series keep the magic going with this first release for 2022? Good news: ECBP Batch A122 is a surprising delight, with plenty of trademark fruit and spice throughout the experience. Things kick off with an aromatic punch of nutmeg and cloves,…
Review: Firestone Walker Kentucky Mule and Gold Rider
The brewing brainiacs at Firestone Walker have gotten increasingly creative with their barrel-aged Proprietor’s Vintage Series in recent years. In addition to the tried-and-true classics like Parabola and Stickee Monkee, the brewery has launched several limited edition, cocktail-inspired brews. We covered one of the first of these, Old Man Hattan, back in 2019, as well…
Review: Waterford Distillery The Cuvee
Ireland’s Waterford Distillery splashed on the whisky scene in 2020 with its terroir-focused Single Farm Origin releases, a slew of which have hit the shelves since we first looked in on them. Their Organic Gaia release shortly after was the distillery’s first blend of distilled barleys from various farms, although it was limited to only…
Review: Wines of Halleck Vineyard, 2021 Vintage
Halleck Vineyard is a sleeper Sonoma winery known for its limited production pinot noir and a brisk collection of summery whites and roses. With the promise of a hot season breathing down our neck, we took a look at three new white and rose releases from the winery. All of these wines are available for…
Review: Wines of San Felice – 2017 Bell’aja and 2018 Vigorello
In the heart of Chianti Classico you’ll find San Felice, home of the first Supertuscan ever made in Chianti Classico, Vigorello. (The wine celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.) San Felice doesn’t just make Chianti, though, it also has 23 hectares in Montalcino and 16 in Bolgheri, and it produces wines from all three regions.…
