Review: Chateau Montelena 2017 Riesling and 2015 Zinfandel
Chateau Montelena is best known for its chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon production, but the winery produces other goodies too. Both this riesling and zinfandel were delightful little surprises. Thoughts follow. 2017 Chateau Montelena Riesling Potter Valley – Soft and slightly creamy, this riesling drinks a bit closer to chardonnay than to the classically aromatic style,…
Review: Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Revival Oloroso Sherry Cask Finished
The third installment in Wild Turkey’s Master’s Keep series is here, and it’s a real rarity: A bourbon finished in sherry casks. Master’s Keep Revival is a blend of 12 to 15 year old straight bourbon that spends its final days finishing in Oloroso sherry casks. This isn’t Wild Turkey’s first foray into sherry, though. In…
Review: Allagash Astrid
Bottled in 375ml cork-stoppered wine bottles, Allagash’s Astrid is a farmhouse saison with a kick. Brewed with pilsner, raw wheat, and biscuit malt, it ferments in stainless for a year with saison yeast and Brettanomyces and is then aged in Aquavit barrels for eight months. Decidedly sour but not overbearing, the beer has a big,…
Drinkhacker Asks: Bourbon Authority and Author Fred Minnick
For our latest installment of Drinkhacker Asks we sit down with best-selling author and bourbon authority Fred Minnick. If you’re a spirits nerd, like me, chances are you’ve got one or two of his books on your shelf like Whiskey Women, Bourbon Curious, Bourbon: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of America’s Native Spirit, or Rum…
Review: 2017 Chateau Roquefeuille Rose In The Air Côtes de Provence
This odd rose from Provence is blended from Cinsault, Syrah, Grenache, and a bit of Rolle (Vermentino). Heavily floral, with butterscotch overtones, the wine crushes flower petals through sugar syrup to reach a modest detente. Brown sugar and rose petals linger on the finish, which also offers hints of sandalwood and spice. B / $23…
Everyday Cocktails for Summer 2018
Summer is such a busy time with various events, picnics, camping, days at the beach, kicking back on the porch, or binge watching something on television to fill the days. Here’s a collection of cocktails to enjoy wherever you are during these hot months. Don’t forget to try the Sticky Date Pudding with Laphroaig Toffee…
Review: 2015 Ferrari-Carano Siena Sonoma County
This sangiovese-heavy red (malbec, cabernet sauvignon, and petite sirah also make appearances in the blend) celebrates its 25th vintage with the 2015 bottling, now in general release. Initially both tannic and heavily fruited, Siena settles down with a bit of patience to show off notes of fresh currants, cherry cobbler, vanilla, and a hint of…
Review: Five Farms Irish Cream
“Single batch” Irish cream from County Cork, Ireland, packaged in a swingtop bottle that looks a bit like a milk container. There’s even a picture of a cow on the label. What could be more authentic, or loveable? Five Farms makes only this single product, so you know you’re getting something truly unique before you…
