GOOD THINGS WE'VE BEEN DRINKING
Ideas & Suggestions.
2017 Catena, Cabernet Sauvignon, High Mountain Vines, Mendoza - $22.99
Mendoza has been producing wonderful malbecs for years, now, but this is also a great region for high-toned cabernet sauvignon. This one is a personal project of Laura Catena and comes from the Catena family's collection of 4 high elevation estate vineyards, all well over 3,000 feet in elevation. A wide diurnal swing in temperatures, combined with plenty of sunshine, help create a balance of bright acidity and rich and complex cabernet sauvignon fruit. Intense aromas of raspberries and cassis are touched with a dash of pepper and clove, leading to a full-bodied and rich palate of layered black currant and black berry fruit, with just a hint of fresh herbs. The tannins are silky and the finish is very long. All of this after 12 months aging in oak definitely add to this Cab being a great bargain, drinking well above its price point. 90 Points from Robert Parker.
-Patrick D.
Pierre Chavin, Zera, N/A Sparkling Chardonnay - $18.99
Whether you're doing a Dry January Challenge, are stone-cold sober, or just enjoying an alcohol-free evening - Zera Sparkling Chardonnay is the long awaited solution to your Champagne tastes! Zera is not only a delightful N/A French Sparkling Wine; it's also vegan, organic, and ethically farmed/produced. You can expect a surprisingly dry wine, fine streams of delicate bubbles and delicious stone fruit flavors. Zera can also be used in lieu of traditional sparkling wines in cocktails - revitalizing the classics into new low ABV treats! Try it on its own or in a Spritz, Bellini, Champagne Cocktail, or French 75!
-Katrina B.
2018 Birichino, Besson Vnyd, Old Vines, Vignes Centenaires - $28.99
When you google, Besson Vineyard, a beautiful picture comes up of these incredible vines. Average age of these gnarled vines is 100 years old. The vines are gnarled and look like giant versions of bonsai trees. The wine itself is an exemplary example of dark berries, strawberries and herbs. Lovely lavender and other floral notes are uplifted with spice and intriguing minerality.
-Mary K.
2019 Division Wine Co, Pinot Noir 'Un', Willamette Valley - $23.99
In the search to find a wine this week that matches my mood, I came across another gem from Division Wine Company. Division, you may remember, is a member of the vanguard of modern U.S. wines. Like their peers, they are using healthy grapes to make wine in a minimal intervention style that aren't over ripe or over extracted. Within this subculture, Divisions wines are particularly earnest and understated.
The Un Pinot Noir uses small amounts of wine from vineyards all over the valley to convey a general sense of the vintage. The current iteration is light and fresh with a floral and ripe red fruit profile. Everything is lined nicely with a healthy dose of spice. This wine is cheery and bright. A great foil to take out or an average January day. It's my perfect pre vaccine companion.
-David M.
Old Tub Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon - $24.99
A truly special release from the Jim Beam distillery - the 'original' recipe, the inspiration for their ubiquitous white label bottling, previously only available at the distillery itself. It is unfiltered, bottled-in-bond, flavor-focused goodness.
The highly aromatic nose conveys notes of hay, wildflowers, honey, and sweet corn at the peak of summer, with focused honey, maple & clove following through on the palate. What little heat it shows quickly dissipates in favor of the flavors of the distillate. This bourbon works superbly as a solo sipper and, at 100 proof, shines in cocktails. It's worth your while to keep this whiskey stocked in your home bar at all times.
-Nick S.
