Review: 2019 Skyside Chardonnay North Coast
Surprisingly flat, this North Coast chardonnay offers a palate of baked apples, guava, and just a hint of lemon peel, though all of this is exceptionally restrained — its body almost watery at times. At the same time, the wine is completely harmless. It’s gentle, laced delicately with caramel and vanilla notes, with touches of…
Review: Rosaluna Mezcal Joven
Rosaluna is a 100% espadin mezcal from Santiago Matatlan in Oaxaca, developed by co-founders Nate Brown (“the creative mind behind brands such as Yeezy, Beyonce, Alexander Wang, and more”) and Terry Lee (advisor to the likes of Thrive Market and Sundays). The product is distilled by brother-sister duo Frida and Juan Jiménez who have been growing,…
Review: River Road Chardonnays, 2021 Releases
River Road Family Vineyards is a collection of uncomplicated California-appellated wines from Sonoma County winemaker Ron Rubin. Designed with affordability in mind, the wines span the range of California’s wine styles. Today we look exclusively at a trio of chardonnays, made in three different styles, and all well under $20. 2020 River Road Un-Oaked Chardonnay…
Review: 2020 Domane Wachau Loess Gruner Veltliner
Want to enjoy a fun white wine with an even more fun price tag? You have to try this 2020 Domäne Wachau Loess Gruner Veltliner. This wine, hailing from Austria, is an easy drinking and dry, but not completely dry, white wine. It’s deliciously juicy, with citrus notes of lemon, and lime, and also subtle…
Review: Chateau Arton Armagnac – Blanche, La Reserve, and 2009 Millesime
Chateau Arton makes both wine and brandy, where Patrick de Montal has been producing Armagnac for a relatively young 30-some years. The brand focuses heavily on single-vintage bottlings, one of which we review here along with its unaged fine blanche expression and its more readily available La Reserve expression. Chateau Arton Armagnac Fine Blanche –…
Review: Wines of Ancient Peaks, 2021 Releases
Ancient Peaks is a Paso Robles winery with a collection of wines that run the gamut of classic California styles. Today we look at two recent bottlings, including one from its second label, One Stone. 2020 Ancient Peaks Chardonnay Paso Robles Santa Margarita Ranch – A clean and classic representation of California chardonnay, this wine…
Review: 2019 Quinta de Fonte Souto Branco Alentejo DOC
This is our third round (and the third ever vintage) of Symington’s Quinta da Fonte Souto, a white blend (75% arinto and 25% verdelho) from the Alentejo region in southern Portugal. it has taken its first steps into southern Portugal. It remains an expressive and particularly food-friendly wine, this year offering a bolder melon note…
Review: Dewar’s The Champions Edition 19 Years Old (2021)
Dewar’s latest bottling is a 19 year old blend aged in American bourbon casks — which is fitting, since it’s bottled in honor of the 121st edition of the U.S. Open. I’m not sure this is an effective substitute for being at Torrey Pines, as Dewar’s suggests, but if your TV is large enough, maybe…
