2018 Ackerman Family Vineyards Memoir Red Blend

 

In a tucked away corner of Napa Valley sits it's 16th AVA, Coombsville, and a very welcoming winery that is producing small lot, huge taste wines!  The Certified Organic property produces the 2018 Ackerman Family Vineyards Memoir Red Blend, which they say reflects their legacy of creating wine in Napa Valley for nearly three decades.

This smartly-constructed wine is made up primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon (65%) but is also joined by some red favorites - Petit Verdot (5%), Malbec (10%), Cabernet Franc (10%) and Merlot (10%).  The Petit Verdot fruit comes from Coombsville.  These grapes blend beautifully to create a medium-bodied, fruit-balanced and polished wine that would stand on its own accord or be enjoyed with some prime rib.

Dark red, juicy fruits in a medium garnet liquid are joined by book leather and dried spice on the nose.  The palate re-introduces the fruit but doesn't throw it in your face.  It's more of an introduction that presents plums, pomegranate and black cherry, joined with forest floor, signs of fresh mushrooms, vanilla and dried tea leaves.  The finish is silky smooth and memorable.  What a treat!

YouTube interview with Leo Tellez and Joe Hinde

ABV:  14.1%

Napa Valley

Winery:  Ackerman Family Vineyards

Production:  680 cases

Suggested retail price:  $50.00

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100

Redwood Empire Grizzly Beast Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon

 

Yes, folks.  Exceptional whiskey and bourbon isn't exclusive to eastern Kentucky.  And Redwood Empire is testament to to proving that point.  They are disrupting the spirits industry with their distinctive offerings and philanthropic efforts.  As of this writing, the iconic brand with the eye-catching labels has planted nearly 1.8 million trees - one for every bottle of Redwood Empire whiskey sold.  That statistic is endearing and showcases the social responsibility that this team believes in, all while making whiskey that is enjoyed across the US and beyond.

Master Distiller Jeff Duckhorn and Master Blender Lauren Lauren Patz have spent most of their lives in the wine utopia of the world - Napa and Sonoma.  It only makes sense that the company calls this area its home and the duo is helping produce some world-class spirits.  Redwood Empire currently offers two bottled-in-bond bottes.  Today we are taking a look at the Redwood Empire Grizzly Beast Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon.

The distillery recently released Batch 4 of this bottle.  We are working off of a recently received sample of Batch 2, so there will likely be some differences, albeit small.  The 5 year, BiB release showcases a mash bill of 66% Corn, 23% Rye, 7% Wheat and 4% Malted Barley.   Although we try not to anticipate what a bottle will taste like, admittedly we were expecting this to be sweeter initially.  Great honey color with a nose of forest floor, sage, oak, and bits of leather.   After some time in the glass and additional swirling, ripe dark cherries made an appearance as well.  We love the mouth-coating feel of this one and it was the perfect introuduction to flavors that included cinnamon, tanned leather, sweet cherry tobacco and spice cabinet.  The finish lingered and held on to those flavors, also hinting at milk chocolate on the end.  

We tasted this neat at first but introduced a single ice cube which brought out that sweeter, fruitier side that we knew was hiding.  This is absolutely a solid pour and we know this is one that you will enjoy!

Check out our first thoughts in this YouTube short

ABV:  50.0% (100 proof)

Distillery:  Redwood Empire

Suggested retail price:  $89.99

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100

Penelope Havana Straight Bourbon Finished Whiskey

 

There's no doubt that we love trying new spirits.  But, lets face it, after awhile when you taste bottle after bottle, sometimes the true expression and spirit of the liquid can get lost in translation.  On the other hand, when soething like this bottle shows up at mail call, you immeditely take notice and can't wait to share it with every bourbon enthusiast you know.  And that's just what we did!

This is Penelope Havana Straight Bourbon Finished Whiskey (Batch 1), a 4 year bourbon finished for twelve months in Caribbean rum casks and then an additional finishing of one month in farm-sourced maple syrup barrels.  The outcome?  Deliciousness to the extreme!  The mash bill is 74% Corn, 7% Rye, 16% Wheat and 3% Malted Barley, creating a viscous golden-brown liquid that has aromas leaping from the glass.  Homemade oatmeal banana cookies, maple candy, and fresh-baked Amish friendship bread on the nose at first whiff.  This bottle takes you down so many twists and turns like the Cuban streets that share its namesake.  Light oak, pie crust, Wet Nuts ice cream topping and vanilla round out this sweet finish and we appropriately call this "dessert in a glass".  

Havana is the latest release in the Cooper Series of bottles released by Penelope.  The Cooper Series marries Penelope bourbon with unique finishing casks from around the world, creating uber-inviting and creating expressions that both enthusiasts and collectors seek.

Literally every person we have shared this bottle with (and that's been a LOT) have all concluded that this is one of the most unique pours they have tasted in a very long time.  Our biggest regret is not being able to find another bottle.  It's just simply wonderful and would pair with anything from chocolate covered strawberries to Rice Krispie treats to your favorite cigar.  Well done!

ABV:  46.5% (93 proof)

Distillery:  Ross & Squibb (MGP) 

Suggested retail price:  $79.99

Drink The Bottles score:  96/100

 

2022 Pine Ridge Vineyards The Traveler's Series Cabernet Sauvignon

 

We had the pleasusre of visiting Pine Ridge Vineyards towards the end of the Covid pandemic, so times were much different than they are currently.  Being fans of PRV for many years, we can attest that the property, the people, the wines and the overall tasting experience at Pine Ridge is absolutely stunning and  very welcoming.  It is a "must visit" destination on your next Napa Valley wine adventure.

Before we get into this wine, we have a confession to make and it might not be an easy one to hear.  We typically are NOT "wine with dinner" people.  Cue the moans, the eye rolls and horrible feedback.  We get it.  Wine accentuates your meal.  When paired properly, both the food and the vino compliment each other and the experience is beyond memorable.  In fact, one of our good friends who is a vintner in Napa Valley will talk your ear off about how lovely wine is with food and the importance of having quality in both.

We aren't going to dig into why wine isn't always served with food in our home.  That's a discussion for another day.  But we will tell you that the 2022 Pine Ridge Vineyards The Traveler's Series Cabernet Sauvignon has begun to change our thoughts on wine and food.  Why?  Because this wine is an excellent food wine.  It paired absolutely beautifully with chicken tettrazini, which honestly should not be an ideal pairing.  But the solid tannin and silky smooth feel from this wine made the marriage absolutely seemless.  What surprised us even more is that this is what we would call (for lack of better terminology), one of Pine Ridge's entry-level Cabernet.  But don't let that disuade you.

Indigo and raisin-colored in the glass, you're immediately greeted by blueberry, vanilla, lighty roasted coffee beans and really ripe strawberries.  Again, very silky smooth experience with loads of cherry and strawberry, sweet spice, brown sugar and vanilla bean blend effortlessly to provide you with an overall tasty and memorable wine.  While the finish is on the shorter side, this wine's versatility is the shining star here!

ABV:  15.5%

California (Solano, Sonoma, Napa Counties)

Winery:  Pine Ridge Vineyards

Suggested retail price:  $35.00

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100

2020 O'Brien Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

 

When Barb and Bart at a charity event a few decades ago, their love of wine was a bond that they shared that ultimlately led them to opening their owe winery in Napa.  A quarter of a century ago the duo purchased 33 acres of prime Napa real estate and eventually they began producing Bordeaux and Burdundian styles of wines that promote their sustainably farmed vineyard.  These "estate only" exclusive wines promote not only traditional styles, but also the passion that Barb and Bret share for each other after all of these years.

Today we are tasting the 2020 O'Brien Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.  As one would expect, it is memorable from cork pop to the finish with it's beautiful bottle and striking darker mulberry color in the glass.  Ripe berries, granite, wet stone, cigar paper and spice swim in the nose, creating a mouth-watering introduction that delivers.  Dark fruit, plum, spice cabinet, pencil shavings, cedar smoke and a hint of milk chocolate dance on the tongue, creating a persistent finish against sophisticated tannins.  This wine has only begun to show it's potential and we regret not decanting this prior to tasting.  It is a wine that you need to add to your cellar, not only to lay down for fifteen or more years, but to prove to yourself what a fine Napa Valley Cabernet should taste like.  It's beautiful!

ABV:  15.2%

AVA:  Napa Valley

Winery:  O'Brien Estate

Suggested retail price:  $120.00

Drink The Bottles score:  94/100

2021 Ackerman Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville Estate

In the southeastern corner of Napa Valley sits a once unfamiliar area of Coombsville, which is now the 16th AVA of the Valley.  The Ackerman family purchased their prized property over thirty years ago, recognizing the amazing fruit that grew in the area, ultimately creating exceptional wines.  This particular offering comes from a beautiful vintage that was ideal in many ways regarding the weather.  But for most, including Ackerman, the yields were lower due to a rainfall shortage.

This is the 2021 Ackerman Fmaily Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon from the Coombsville Estate.  While we tasted this, it transitioned from a fruit forward young wine to (after decanting) a wine that can be aged for decades, showing potential to only increase in flavor and enjoyment.  Initially we recognized a basket of blueberries, cedar shavings and graphite.   Some decanting and swirling quickly transitioned this full bodied wine to fresh raspberry and strawberry fruits, forest floor, hints of allspice and vanilla.  The feathery tannins help create an unforgetful and steady finish.  

This wine is very impressive and offers a beautiful, dark eggplant color.  While we really enjoyed this now, we think that this is an ideal wine to cellar and re-visit in three to five years.  The additional complexity that this will surely develop would add a couple of points to the overall score (if scores are your thing).  

Stay tuned as we chat with someone from the Ackerman team when we create a video review of their 2018 Memoir Red Blend!

ABV:  14.1%

Coombsville AVA

Winery:  Ackerman Family Vineyards

Suggested retail price:  $98.00

Drink The Bottles score:  93+/100

 

2021 Pope Valley Winery Reserve Merlot

The history of Pope Valley Winery goes back 1897, when it was founded as Burgundy Winery and Olive Oil Factory by Ed Haus.  One hundred years later, a new lease on life was granted to the property when the Eakle family purchased it.  Brother and sister David Eakle and Diana Eakle Hawkins took the reigns in 2009 as the forward thinking, next generation owners to build on the legacy that had been created.  Today, Pope Valley Winery is creating some stunning wines under the esteemed Director of Winemaking, Jean Hoefliger.

We tend to sometimes provide spoiler alerts in our reviews and this one is no exception.  If this wine is any indication how 2025 is going to be, then we are in for a delicious and rewarding year!  First of all, if you're one of those people who turned their nose up to Merlot after watching Sideways over twenty years ago, please move on.  You're missing out on one of the most versatile and rewarding grape varietals in existence.  

Today we are tasting and talking about the 2021 Pope Valley Winery Reserve Merlot.  This wine is another fine example of the pain staking quality and attention to detail that is being obsevered by this producer.  Historically we have loved both their white and red releases and this one is leaning towards an all-time favorite.  Dark garnet inviting colors in the glass with chest-filling aromas of pipe tobacco, rosemary, green tea and those wonderful, juicy dark fruits that you would expect to find.  On the palate are welcoming and aggressive flavors of cooked plums, blackberry compote, crusty bread and allspice.  This is what we call a "make a fist and put it to your lips" type of wine.  

This wine has been in the bottle less than 18 months at this writing and we would anticipate that you can enjoy this one well into the next decade.  

ABV:  14.3%

Napa Valley AVA

Winery:  Pope Valley Winery

146 cases produced

Suggested retail price:  $72.00

Drink The Bottles score:  94/100

 

2021 Starmont Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

 

The first Starmont expression was produced over 35 years ago with a single varietal.  The label, which is part of the Merryvale family of wines, now produces four varietals under winemaker Jeff Crawford.  Crawford has been "all things Starmont" for ten years now and has been in the world of wine for twenty year.  2021 was an overall wonderful year for Cabernet due to the intense flavor of the berries despite generally smaller yields.  We have been tasting some really lovely Cabs from this year and this one is no exception.

The 2021 Starmont Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon (87%), Teroldego (7%) and Cinsault (6%).  The fact that Crawford chose the latter two grape varietals for this blend is nothing short of impressive.  No doubt the Italian Teroldego grape added exquisite colors to this bottle and helped promote those fruit forward notes upon entry.  The Cinsault helps add a tick of extra ripe berry aromas and textured tannins. For the United States, Cinsault is planted mostly in the North Coast AVA but can also be found in Yakima Valley AVA in Washington and the Texas High Plains AVA.  Crawford really went outside of the box here and it shows in the presentation of the package.

Deep red to maroon in the glass, this Cabernet opens with strawberry rhubarb pie, very ripe raspberries, Mediterranean spices, damp soil and tar.  It is immediately inviting and swirling allows those aromas to literally leap from the glass.  Raspberry, plum and pomegranate are introduced to the palate first, followed by floral pedals, tea leaf and a hint of minerality.  This has a very satisfying and tender finish.  We are really impressed by this bottle and it proves once again that you don't have to pay a ton of money to find a wine that is delicious and one that could be cellared for a number of years.  We think with a few years in the bottle, it may even be more remarkable.  Bravo!

ABV:  13.9%

North Coast AVA

Winery:  Starmont Vineyards

Suggested retail price:  $25.00

Drink The Bottles score:  91+/100

Seacrets Distiling Company Bourbon Whiskey

 

Ocean City, Maryland is a huge tourist town during the summer months and also the home of Seacrets Distilling Company.  Seacrets Distilling is the first distillery in Ocean City since Prohibition and it has become a destination spot for locals and out-of-towners alike.  The state-of-the-art distillery features antiques as part of the structure and features from 1933 (or earlier), which is the year when Prohibition ended.  They are currently producing handcrafted gin, vodkas, rums, whiskeys and today's selection, the Seacrets Distilling Company Bourbon Whiskey.

Every part of this bourbon is created in house - mash bill, fermentation and distillation.  The grains are locally sourced (MD and DE) and the mash bill of GMO-free corn, rye and barley helps create a uniquely flavored whiskey that is aged four years.  

The color is more harvest gold than your traditional amber and you immediately catch aromas of charred oak, grilling spices, dry wheat toast and earthy qualities.  The taste is a stark and pleasing contrast against the nose, presenting orange peel, maple candy, baking spices, leather and toffee.  The finish lingers for just a moment and you catch a hint of peppercorn and dried herbs on the back end.  We are going to try this in an Old Fashioned soon.  This bourbon is not overly sweet and would likely be a great marriage to the cocktail.

ABV:  45.0% (90 proof)

Distillery:  Seacrets Distilling Company

Suggested retail price:  $60.00

Drink The Bottles score:  90/100

 

2019 Prager Winery Aria White Port

 

In St. Helena, California sits an unassuming property that is sans the flashiness, bells, whistles and modern architecture of many of its larger and more popular neighbors.  But that doesn't mean that what is inside is any less special.  Prager Winery & Port Works has been in the Napa Valley for an astounding forty-five years, quietly making very special fortified wines of differing varietals.  This family owned and operated establishment is now run by the second generation of family and they are eager to greet you and show you their pride and joy - port wines!

The 2019 Aria White Port Wine is made of Napa Valley Chardonnay and it shows off honey gold colors in the glass.  Sweet on the nose with aromas of cooked pear, orange candy and baked apple crisp.  While most folks probably taste Port wines chilled, we opted to drink this at room temperature (about 67° F) from our favorite mini Beglian beer tasting glass.  The non-chilled tasting option allows for more flavors to introduce themselves like candied apple, marzipan, honey and wisps of citrus.  It's incredibly mouth-coating and would be an excellent pairing with shrimp cocktail and salty cheeses.

We don't get the opportunity to taste many White Port wines so this was a real gift for us.  Prager Winery & Port Works appears to have an idyllic setting, surrounded by the family members behind the label.  If you're looking to make a trip to Napa Valley and Port wine is your jam, we highly encourage you to check them out.  We are really looking forward to tasting their Vintage and Tawny Port wines soon.  If we could change one thing about this bottle, it would be to put a whiskey-style of stopper as the closure rather than a traditional wine cork.  That way it could be stored and enjoyed longer.  Overall, very well done!

FYI, the winery's website lists the 2020 Aria White Port available at the link above.

ABV:  20.0%

Napa Valley AVA

Winery:  Prager Winery & Port Works

Suggested retail price:  $65.00

Drink The Bottles score:  91/100

 

2021 Sullivan Rutherford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Coeur de Vigne

 

On the north end of Napa Valley in St. Helena, California sits a wine estate that until recently, has been unassuming for fifty years.  Sullivan Rutherford Estate was the dream turned into reality of James O'Neil Sullivan, a visionary who became passionate about wine in the 1950's when and his wife received a grape arbor as a wedding present.  Home winemaking eventually led to a move to Rutherford where Sullivan would plant roots - literally.

The 2021 Sullivan Rutherford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Coeur de Vigne wine consists of Cabernet Sauvignon (80%), Merlot (14%) and Petit Verdot (6%).  We initially did not decant this wine and allowed only "air time" in the glass.  A unanimous decision to decant for about thirty-five minutes made the difference with this one.  Homemade strawberry jam color solid to the rim.  This "heart of vine" Cabernet offers plum, graphite, wet gravel road, and toasted baguette on the nose.  The decanting brought the firm tannins alive and presented flavors of raspberry puree, violet, hints of oak,  and bits of cocoa.  Give this one some time to open up and it will reward you for the next 15 years or so.  In four or five years this could be teetering on perfection in a bottle!  If you're someone who enjoys a dry aged steak with your wine, this marriage would be impeccable.

Sullivan Rutherford Estate is now in the hands of managing partner, Juan Pablo Torres Padilla and we anticipate that this label will continue to produce incredible and cellar-worthy wines.

ABV:  14.8%

Napa Valley AVA

Winery:  Sullivan Rutherford Estate

Cases Produced:  2,600

Suggested retail price:  $80.00

Drink The Bottles score:  93+/100