Washington State is finally getting the recognition it well deserves. Though the wines from here have been terrific for years, they are comfortably hitting their stride and the winds of change are noticeable with excellent and well-structured wines throughout the state. From Walla Walla Valley comes Cadaretta’s 2015 Malbec, which …
It’s still a new year, relatively. Gyms are at capacity with the steady thrum of treadmills and cardio machines. And every good deed deserves a reward—but how do you remain on track? With pilsners and pale ales from Japan. Below are just some of the beers that fit into any …
Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Pale Ale Beautiful rusty color to elevate anticipation of this orange-peel-aroma beer. Delivers heavy at first taste which is what we want from an ale, but tapers quickly so as not to build, but rather maintain. Wonderful balance there. That orange peel reappears at the end with almost …
What do you know about Japanese craft beer? Did you know there are 400 craft breweries operating in Japan, and that this all began as recently as the early 1990s? You might not know that just as Japanese whisky is inspired by Scotch, Japanese craft beer is closely linked …
Valentine’s Day is almost upon us and that means bringing your best game to the table — including wine, spirits or beer. This is not the time to cut corners, experiment or dabble with dodgy labels or make branding mistakes. Count on the wines, spirits, and beers that won’t diminish …
Don’t confuse the “no bull” image of Bare Bone Vodka, with a lack of complexity. This brand is all about directness, and it’s perhaps because of that unswerving approach, that we’re allowed to experience the subtle nuances of this mixed grain vodka. An unapologetic southern corn spice on the nose …
When you think of beer, chances are that the word ‘romantic’ doesn’t come to mind. That all changes with Portland-based Cascade Brewery’s Rose City Sour, named for Portland’s reputation for being the City of Roses. A blend of wheat and blond ales, aged in oak wine barrels for up …
The problem with some malbecs today, even the pricier ones, is that they are one dimensional wines, and that’s not fun to drink, is it? Lorimar’s 2015 Malbec is a welcome respite from some of the dull and mundane lazy bottlings out there, offering a hard-to-resist invitation upon pouring, with …
The Stags Leap District in Napa is truly one of the most consistent and alluring Cabernet Sauvignon regions in all of California, and Shafer Vineyards has long helped to keep Cabernet at its rightful prominent in this AVA. Silky and velvety with mild tannic structure, the 2015 iteration of Shafer’s …
In many cases a wine is greater than the sum of its parts and this holds true for the 2016 iteration of MacRostie Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, utilizing fruit from five different sites. To keep that fruit in prime expression this wine was whole cluster pressed, after which 15% of the …
Wine: Beronia Crianza Variety: 88% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha, 2% Mazuelo Vintage: 2014 Country: Rioja, Spain ABV: 13.5% Score: 89 Harmonious notes of vanilla, black plum and creamy oak flow from the glass with a base of baking spices, cloves and cinnamon. There’s a sensuous dark fruit that lingers with liquorice …
Wine: Deutz Champagne Variety: Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir Vintage: N.V. Country: Champagne, France ABV: 12% Score: 95 Showcasing an equal share of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, this quintessential gem showcases the utmost elegance and grace. A substantial amount of Grand Cru and 1er Cru grapes go into …
