- $
Most of the Lambrusco that has hit our shores has been syrupy, nasty stuff like Ruinite (ruin is in the name) and whatever they pour in the Garden of Olives. This is a different creature altogether, bringing soft red raspberry and pink grapefruit up front before finishing clean and dry. It will change your worldview in a single serving.
(Holding the #1 spot)
Complex, lush and full-bodied with rich black fruit and spice. A touch of dusty blackberry and nice grip at the finish partially due to over a year in oak. Watch out, Napa! (behind by 4 bottles)
A delicious patio pounder coming out of Sonoma, California. Bright notes strawberry and watermelon with subtle hints of floral and minerality. Sweet without being overbearing balanced by beautiful acidity. Pair with a spicy Asian dish and call it a night! (behind by 4 bottles)
(behind by 1 bottles)
So pretty. Brings a clear nose of Gimblett Gravels terroir beneath lush soft blue and black fruit with lovely violet and lavender notes. Palate is clean, balanced and very approachable. Just a hint of the Northern Rhone's meatiness but mostly bright fruit and enough acidity to hold it in check. Maybe the best NZ Syrah out there??
A slightly different and wonderful lighter take on Priorat. The gorgeous blue slate show immediately on the nose, Carignan is there but with richness and elegance. Really pretty and an homage to the fruit. Gorgeous leather and blue black fruit flavors with spice and soft leather. Organic, hand picked and just 9 months in French, this really is a lovely wine!
This four grain whiskey uses a blend of rye, wheat and barley sourced from the Colorado Malting Company, and corn from Briess Malting in Wisconsin - encompassing the "mother grains" of bourbon. The whiskey ages about 3 years, all year round to capture the seasonal nuances from the ever-changing Colorado mountain air, in new, 53 gallon charred oak barrels source from Independent Stave Company.
This single vineyard, certified sustainable sav blanc shows lovely white flower, chili pepper, and gooseberry on the nose with some sandy mineralogy. Very nice weight and balance showing passion fruit, ripe apple flavors. Such a pleasant surprise is the roundness, the acid is lively and energetic but not abrasive.