Review: Skyside 2017 Red Blend and 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
Skyside’s operations focus on grapes from the rugged North Coast region of California, where third-generation Sonoma winemaker Anne Dempsey turns out affordable offerings that run the gamut of varietals common to the region. Let’s look at two new red releases built for winter-weather sipping. 2017 Skyside Red Blend North Coast – A mutt of a…
Review: Ezra Brooks Distiller’s Collection Single Barrel Bourbon from Virginia ABC
When it comes to single barrel bourbons, there aren’t that many bargains to be had, especially not when the proof begins to creep up. Lux Row’s new private barrel program, dubbed Distiller’s Collection, is looking to change that with their new, higher proof, albeit somewhat youthful, single barrel offerings from Ezra Brooks and Rebel Yell.…
Review: Kiona Vineyards NV Fortuna and 2018 Lemberger
Kiona is another Washington vineyard and winery with holdings in the Columbia Valley and Red Mountain. Today we look at two bottlings from the latter AVA. NV Kiona Vineyards Fortuna Estate Red Mountain – This is one of the most curious blends I’ve ever seen, a nonvintage offering of one-third each 2015 cabernet sauvignon, 2017…
The Top 10 Wines for Winter 2021
I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely ready for some cooler weather… hopefully with some rain. If there’s a fire to be had, I want it in my hearth, not torching the hillside a few miles away. With cooler temperatures in mind, here’s our annual look at the top 10 wines for the winter…
Review: The Kraken Black Roast Coffee Rum
The Kraken has been a big player in the spiced rum space since it launched in 2009, owing variously to its evocatively maritime bottle, dark black color, and exceptionally high quality. Now, The Kraken is launching a curious line extension, a coffee-flavored version of its rum, available as a limited edition. The Kraken Black Roast…
Review: Prosecco Wines of Col Vetoraz, 2019 Vintage
Col Vetoraz is located in Santo Stefano di Valdobbiadene, in northeast Italy, in the heart of the Valdobbiadene DOCG — the essence of Prosecco country. The winery is situated at about 400 meters above sea level, near the highest point of the Cartizze hills. The founding family, the Miotto’s, settled here in 1838. In 1993…
Review: Devils River Coffee Bourbon
Coffee is becoming increasingly visible in the whiskey world, with Jameson Cold Brew already a popular option for blending these two great tastes. For something a little more traditional — and considerably sweeter — check out this new expression from Devils River, which rides the line between whiskey and liqueur a little closer to the…
Review: El Mayor Tequila Extra Anejo
I’ve always admired El Mayor’s tequilas, and not just for the funky and unique bottle design. Alas, all good things must come to an end, as the distillery has abandoned the squat, gourd-like design for something a little more traditional (though still on the stout side). Today we look at El Mayor’s Extra Anejo —…
