Review: 2017 Mazzei Belguardo Rose Toscana IGT
Mazzei’s Belguardo is written stylistically as “Belgvardo” on the label, so don’t get confused if you’re having trouble finding — or pronouncing — the wine. This Tuscan rose — made in Maremma – is 50% sangiovese and 50% syrah. The wine is aromatic and fresh, its lavender and lilac notes pairing interestingly with notes of brown…
Cocktails for Independence Day 2018
This year, with so many states in the U.S. experiencing heat waves, fireworks may be off limits in your area. That shouldn’t stop you from creating your own fireworks in a glass with one of these inspiring cocktails. Here are some great cocktail recipes to enjoy on tomorrow’s Fourth of July holiday, however you opt…
Review: 2017 Ferraton Pere & Fis Samorens Cotes-du-Rhone Rose
Ferraton Pere & Fils makes a wide range of Rhone Valley wines, including high-end single vineyard varieties… but also this simple rose, called Samorens, a Cotes-du-Rhone denominated blend of 75% grenache and the remainder syrah and cinsault. The wine is fresh, offering immediate notes of fresh orange, rose petals, and vanilla cream. Boldly floral on…
Review: 2017 Cote Mas Rose Aurore IGP
This simple rose wine proudly boasts “33% more wine” via a sticker on the bottle, thanks to its enclosure in a 1 liter container. Surprisingly, the wine denotes its blend on the back label: 30% cinsault, 20% syrah, and 50% grenache noir. Results: It’s a rose with tons of grip, tannic at times with notes…
Review: Woodinville Bourbon Finished in Port Casks
This limited release from Washington-based Woodinville starts with its five-year-old straight bourbon, then throws a twist at it: six months of finishing in Tawny Port barrels. The result is the essence of craft whiskey — burly wood, heavy spice — is here, particularly on the aggressive nose, which hints at a plum-dusted, raisiny note beneath…
Review: Smirnoff Ice Margarita
Too lazy to construct a proper margarita after a long day at the office? You’re not alone, which is why so many folks can barely get the cap off a bottle of beer before their butt hits the couch. The latest flavor in the long-running Smirnoff Ice line is a natural: Margarita, helpfully subtitled “refreshing…
Review: Charbay Double Aged Rum (2018)
Back in 2005, Charbay launched its first rum, 100% copper pot distilled from Hawaiian and Jamaican sugar cane syrup. Now, in 2018, that rum is back on the market, with the same formula and again at a scorching cask strength — though today it’s at 137 proof vs. the original’s 136.8. The rum is aged…
Review: Wines of Lucas & Lewellen, 2018 Releases
Santa Barbara-based Lucas & Lewellen isn’t a household name in the wine world, but that could change: This operation is turning out approachable wines at even more approachable prices, three of which we recently had the opportunity to taste. Let’s dive in! 2017 Lucas & Lewellen Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp and grassy, the wine showcases…
