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 …
Wine: Txomin Etxaniz Txakoli Blanco 2016 Variety: Hondarrabi Zuri 85%, Hondarrabi Beltza 15% Vintage: 2016 Country: Spain ABV: 11% Score: 90 As one of Spain’s most eye-catching wines, Txakoli isn’t just vibrant in ambience. The palate showcases an energetically refreshing acidity with fresh juicy green apples, pears and a distinct …
Wine: Tempranillo Elaboración Especial Variety: Tempranillo Vintage: 2015 Country: Spain ABV: 14% Score: 93 A striking example of Rioja and a testament to Tempranillo production by Gonzales Byass. This special production showcases a divine and exuberant nose of black cherries, sweet vanilla cocoa and fresh tobacco alongside a dominant dark plum …
Wine: Finca Constancia Selección Variety: Tempranillo, Petit Verdot, Graciano, Shiraz/Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc Vintage: 2013 Country: Spain ABV: 14% Score: 92 This full bodied, dense berry delight offers a plethora of ripe red berries, black berries and a delicate floral element on the nose. The palate is balanced by …
Wine: Beronia Rueda Variety: Verdejo Vintage: 2016 Country: Spain Score: 91 A pale golden hue sits in the glass, showcasing notes of ripened pineapple, pear and succulent apples. Floral aromas of blossom and jasmine begin to emerge over time as a slight salinity and minerality take hold. The nose is …
Wine: Beronia Rosado Variety: Tempranillo Vintage: 2016 Country: Spain Score: 91 Rose petals and sweet ripening red cherries shine through on the nose with a little cranberry and redcurrant hiding in the background. Aromas of candy floss and Turkish delight continue to open up this vibrant rosado. The palate offers …
Premixes for cocktails are, without doubt, not all created equal. Some are bad. Some are, really, bad. But others raise the bar beyond expectation. There’s no greater endorsement of a product than a high-profiled industry-member putting their face on it, to be judged by the industry in which they work. …
Distillery: Balcones Distilling Score: 96 Points Buy Now: www.masterofmalt.com This new addition to the Balcones line offers a sumptuous nose, rich in aroma. Freshly cut leather, tobacco and cracked black pepper are held together by a fragrant Ceylon tea and sweet cedar oak. The palate offers toffee popcorn, sugar coated …
Distillery: Balcones Distilling Score: 92 Points Buy Now: www.masterofmalt.com Freshly baked scones and cinnamon bread shine through on the nose with a little clementine rind, Madagascan vanilla and subtle hints of cedar oak. The palate offers a sumptuous combination of both baked and toffee apples, with a little dry spice …
