Silvano Bolmida Barbera d’Alba Superiore 2015
From the capable hands of a very technically-skilled producer. Silvano Bolmida grew up working the vineyards on the sloping hills of Piedmont, Italy and has been involved with the wine industry virtually his entire life. He is based in the very heart of the Barolo district and is obsessed with details, being regarded as a perfectionist by his peers. His 2015 “Conca del Grillo” Barbera D’Alba Superiore is certainly proof of his abilities. Fresh, with beautiful red and black fruits on the nose, particularly red cherry, raspberry, and black plum, and just a hint of oak, this wine has been aged for a minimum of 1 year before release, with 4 months of that coming from oak barrels. Extremely food friendly, this wine can be enjoyed now or aged until 2021.
Barr Hill Tom Cat Gin
A unique expression of gin, unlike almost anything else on the market. From the farm up at Barr Hill, estate bees provide honey which is then distilled with locally grown and foraged botanicals from the forests and mountains of Vermont. These components are then aged in new American oak barrels, adding a robust character and fullness to the gin, as well as warmth and toastiness. This spirit is great for those who like both whiskey or gin, and stands alone.
Clos des Rocs Pouilly-Loché “Monopole” 2014
A vibrant, stunning expression of Chardonnay. From the small, quiet, and intimate appellation of Pouilly-Loché in southern Burgundy, this is a classic representation of terroir and Burgundian winemaking traditions. A smaller appellation, Pouilly-Loché has had grapes grown in its soils since Roman times, with most of the vineyards on slopes facing east, rising slowly from the ground. Being in a slightly warmer region of Burgundy, this wine has plenty of ripe, white and green fruit, in addition to warm oak notes of honey, brioche, vanilla, and butter from the fermentation. Unctuous, but balanced, this wine has a lovely texture and is precise in its execution. Drink now until 2019.
Henri Prudhon Saint-Aubin 1er Cru 2013
An outstanding bottle of red reflecting both the terroir of Saint-Aubin and a deep and profound respect for Burgundian tradition. The Prudhon family started out as grape growers who sold their grapes to negociants but, thankfully, decided to bottle and sell their own wine beginning in 1983. With every year that passes, these wines achieve more elegance, more finesse, and yet, retain their roots and their sense of self. The vines from this plot are between 30 and 60 years of age, and lie mere paces away from grand cru classified land. Prudhon wines emphasizes freshness and raciness, seeing essentially no new oak. This wine has a delicate restraint, but a brilliance that creates a sense of loyalty to terroir and tradition. The 2013 vintage has a savory aspect, with high-toned fruit. Great now, but will absolutely reward those who choose to cellar.
Quinta de la Rosa Lote 601 Ruby Port
Big value in a small bottle. This delicious ruby port has an average age of 3 years, and is done in the ‘house style’ of Quinta de la Rosa – meaning not cloying nor flabby, and just a touch drier. Made with the usual blend of Portuguese indigenous grapes like Touriga Nacional, this port has great depth, red fruit flavors, a hint of chocolate, and a long finish. Uniquely, all the grapes that go into this bottling are estate-grown from a higher altitude, which means less rainfall and therefore better quality grapes. Most ports have C or D quality grapes whereas the Quinta de la Rosa grapes are all A-graded. This difference in quality is noticeable from the first sip to the last. Enjoy this with a piece of Saint Agur as an aperitif or dessert.
Riazul Añejo Tequila
A real beauty of tequila, and a favorite of Greg! Riazul has been making tequila in the Highland Mountains of Jalisco, Mexico, for over 200 years, with their recipe and style being passed down generation to generation, even surviving through the struggle and strife of the Mexican War of Independence. 100% Agave, and aged in French white oak barrels which were formerly used for XO cognac and brandy, this tequila is expressive with notes of honey, espresso, toffee, and amaretto. This one will be a real treat as the weather cools off.
