Review: 2013 Menage a Trois Chardonnay California
This year’s expression of California Chardonnay from Menage a Trois is a tough one, loaded with vanilla candy to within an inch of its life, and balanced only by a hint of caramel apple and a twist of lemon on the finish. Cloying and mouth-coating from the get-go, it grabs you by the sweet tooth and…
Review: Arkansas Black Applejack
As far as local spirits go, for me, there’s nothing more local than Arkansas Black Applejack. It’s made by a husband and wife that live right around the corner from me, from Arkansas Black apples (hence the name) plus some Golden Delicious. The applejack is actually produced in Oregon at Clear Creek, after which it…
Review: 2012 Loveblock Pinot Noir Central Otago
This New Zealand Pinot (produced by Kim Crawford) is a lean expression of the grape, particularly by Kiwi standards. Herbal, almost vegetal on the nose, it hits the palate with a surprising degree of sweetness. This settles down quickly once it gets some air, however, revealing notes of cherry juice, cinnamon, a bit of oxidized…
Review: Grand Macnish Black Edition Blended Scotch
That weirdly dimpled bottle belongs to Grand Macnish, a venerable — but seldom seen in the States — brand of blended Scotch whisky that hails from Glasgow. Several expressions are produced, with this newly released “Black Edition” being a non-age-statement spirit that is aged in double-charred bourbon barrels. A little brutish on the nose, it…
Review: Sauza 901 Silver Tequila
Justin Timberlake-backed 901 Tequila made a huge splash back in 2009. So huge in fact that Sauza — one of the biggest names in the business — bought the brand in 2014. Promptly renamed “Sauza 901” and semi-repackaged (same bottle, new label), Sauza 901 is a different product that’s made in Sauza’s own distillery. JT is…
Review: Dulce Vida Extra Anejo Tequila (2015)
The arrival of a new extra anejo tequila is always cause for rejoicing, and Dulce Vida’s new bottling is no exception. This tequila spends 5 1/2 years not in bourbon barrels but in a mix of former Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot barrels from Napa’s Rombauer winery. Crafted in the Jalisco Highlands, the tequila is fair-trade…
Review: Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth
Carpano’s Antica Formula vermouth is the first lady of aromatic wines. In a world where most vermouth runs under $10 for a bottle and is tossed out during clean-up from last night’s party, the $30 or more you’ll pay for a liter of Antica Formula indicates at least someone thinks pretty highly of it. The heritage…
Review: The Exceptional Grain – Blended Grain Scotch Whisky
Grain whisky fans can get excited. Here’s a new blended grain whisky that’s whipped up from some really old stock — by some industry pros. Don’t be confused by the label — “Sutcliffe & Son” — this is a limited edition from Don Sutcliffe at our own Craft Distillers in Ukiah, California. Here’s the official word: [The…
