tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52002091467626569682024-03-15T21:09:35.627-04:00Drink the Bottles<center>Wine, Bourbon, Whiskey Blog. Marketing & Media Machine For Wineries and Distilleries. Honest reviews only. This is a community to share thoughts while celebrating some of the best drinks in the world! Keyboard warriors, hate spewers and generally mean people can move along.</center>Jeff Lawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055254576106051695noreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5200209146762656968.post-90133270147208798852024-03-11T13:43:00.001-04:002024-03-11T14:57:36.635-04:00Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Rop1Hqs05hKUUQKQAzwUqRXNKB5S97Q5nZPbPRGFoHG7YtQscnCe2mCa47pfVqqx0xvDgdvZaK2zkrcpDAR-7-sdJaeAt6SchFJIFkADSvS45bsCkN8pBbUEdg0LskP5wDznAEmpGIaL8ZMa5a_IHqYE48VgZF6VX425AaGJ2v7CEKb_MRr2bHqi2-wY/s4032/SRW.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Rop1Hqs05hKUUQKQAzwUqRXNKB5S97Q5nZPbPRGFoHG7YtQscnCe2mCa47pfVqqx0xvDgdvZaK2zkrcpDAR-7-sdJaeAt6SchFJIFkADSvS45bsCkN8pBbUEdg0LskP5wDznAEmpGIaL8ZMa5a_IHqYE48VgZF6VX425AaGJ2v7CEKb_MRr2bHqi2-wY/w300-h400/SRW.jpg" title="Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We were actually introduced to Holladay Distillery through a YouTube video a few months back. We're always out looking for new bottles to pop and share and this one definitely caught our eye. The <b><a href="https://holladaybourbon.com/holladay-soft-red-wheat-bourbon/" target="_blank">Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bottled-In-Bond</a></b> from Missouri has been getting great press lately so we wanted to see what all of the hubbub was about.</div><br /><p></p><p>Most folks know in order for a bourbon to be labeled "Bottled-In-Bond" that it must be aged for 4 or more years in a federally bonded warehouse (hence the name), bottled at 100 proof where it was distilled and produced in a single season. But...... Did you know that in <i>this</i> particular case, <i>this</i> brown water is aged more than six years? In addition, Missouri law requires that bourbon must be mashed, fermented, distilled, aged and bottled in Missouri in order for it to have the "Missouri" label on it? What really impresses us about this is the law was updated in 2020 for all corn to be grown in Missouri as well. Keep in mind, going forward, that the Show Me State is taking things very seriously with bourbon by showcasing the the talents and determination from their distilleries.</p><p>The Soft Red Wheat has a mash bill of primarily corn. Wheat and barley round out the grains and no rye is present here. Red wheat in particular tends to present a sweeter aroma and taste in the glass, which is exactly what we picked up when tasting this bottle neat.</p><p>The majority of the whiskey from each of the Soft Red Wheat releases has historically come from Floor 4 of the rickhouse. That seems to be the sweet spot and the distiller has honed in on what's really working here. Here's what we think....</p><p>Medium chestnut color in the glass. You get cinnamon stick, honey, baking spices and strawberry cheesecake for the initial aromas. Some swirling and time in the glass (that's always the hard part!) throw homemade caramel and red fruits at you as well. The mouth-watering aromas are justitified at first sip. Strawberry preserves, honey, cinnamon, fresh baked biscuits and cherry candy are dominant. There's a very welcoming and surprising mint leaf component that shows up with some cocoa powder towards the mid palate to finish. </p><p>We think that this bottle lives up to every accolade that is published about it. And we will be so bold to say that we think this gives Weller Antique a very hard run for the money! This is a bottle that you want to have a back up in place in your bar and then a back up for the back up bottle! If you're a wheater fan, we have no doubt that this is going to be a pleaser for your palate. We love what Holladay is doing and where they are going. This is definitely a brand to keep on your radar and you'll want to snatch up whatever they produce because if this bottle is any clue of the deliciousness they are producing, they are creating another footprint in their long legacy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESpQCa24NYkUcgnIp2SnHXGUpPVhW_wG15TOTreZLpobwC7gEKu05aqp-xUMsgm8RjC2SDBtNPMKsky59p2VvcYpLAukSIbxrHblkXpQlS39bJc8oV1UdOnJuKd-9KfxQvEYLzjVE9VnrFlpPYjzOtrPX1SC4_ZW_5-smLcXHqngmnH3D6sSY39CHX9Ha/s2016/Soft%20Red%20Wheat.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon Open" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESpQCa24NYkUcgnIp2SnHXGUpPVhW_wG15TOTreZLpobwC7gEKu05aqp-xUMsgm8RjC2SDBtNPMKsky59p2VvcYpLAukSIbxrHblkXpQlS39bJc8oV1UdOnJuKd-9KfxQvEYLzjVE9VnrFlpPYjzOtrPX1SC4_ZW_5-smLcXHqngmnH3D6sSY39CHX9Ha/w300-h400/Soft%20Red%20Wheat.jpg" title="Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon Open" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>ABV: 50.0% (100.0 proof)<div><br />Distillery: Holladay Distillery</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Suggested retail price: $59.99</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i>Drink The Bottles</i> score: 92/100<br /><p><br /></p></div>Jeff Lawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055254576106051695noreply@blogger.com1 Mc Cormick Ln, Weston, MO 64098, USA39.3981867 -94.87896289999999111.087952863821151 -130.03521289999998 67.708420536178835 -59.722712899999991tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5200209146762656968.post-61645540710149517572024-03-07T10:08:00.006-05:002024-03-07T10:08:58.956-05:00Ironton Distillery Colorado Straight Bourbon Whiskey<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROEI6YKhQSNHI_2L9GeGNKm1AZcGBGYIA9ogk95HLvMGZ112i3ZpBV8yjE4zEPf_xC6_Vt_fgsK7MYoZpYhcuyV-ode7_t2MTY27xkKZO7kvIi7wDPIy3EJdr6I_VHC80fmOKtxTWPThBmbH4EkmeymBDdqVfCjNohySUb8S25Ln_teKXh7mAFpGOJi6g/s2016/Ironton%20Bourbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ironton Distillery Colorado Straight Bourbon Whiskey" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROEI6YKhQSNHI_2L9GeGNKm1AZcGBGYIA9ogk95HLvMGZ112i3ZpBV8yjE4zEPf_xC6_Vt_fgsK7MYoZpYhcuyV-ode7_t2MTY27xkKZO7kvIi7wDPIy3EJdr6I_VHC80fmOKtxTWPThBmbH4EkmeymBDdqVfCjNohySUb8S25Ln_teKXh7mAFpGOJi6g/w300-h400/Ironton%20Bourbon.jpg" title="Ironton Distillery Colorado Straight Bourbon Whiskey" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Did you know there are approximately 750 whiskey and bourbon distilleries in operation in the US? Did you know that not all great distilled spirits come from central Kentucky? We did and today we are sharing one of those with you. We're tasting and sharing the <b><a href="https://www.irontondistillery.com/colorado-bourbon-whiskey" target="_blank">Ironton Distillery Colorado Straight Bourbon</a></b> today and we are thrilled to have connected with these folks. The female leadership team of Kallyn Romero (co-owner) and Laura Walters (head distiller) is making their mark in the Colorado distilled spirits scene by offering up a nice selection of lower proof whiskey from their core portfolio, but also throwing in some cask strength bourbon, a single malt finished in a coffee cask and then gin, rum and other goodies. For distilling only since 2018, they have been cranking out some quality products that will surely continue to foot their footprint in the "brown water" world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">With Romero's entrepreneurial knack and Walters' previous experience in the wine and whiskey world, we have no doubt that this team will continue to grow, create and share the goodness that is all things Ironton. We love what they're doing and where they are going!<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The current offering of Colorado Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Ironton comes in at a very sippable and approachable proof that makes it super easy for all experience levels to enjoy. While the mashbill is unknown, we can tell you that consists of blue heirloom corn, barley, rye and red wheat. Aged at least 2 years, the charred oak barrels create a beautiful carmel color and sweet nose of vanilla bean, honey and roasted pecan. The palate is guided by orange and fig cake initially. A couple sips in are reminiscent of candy corn and hot Spanish peanuts, finishing with red fruits, sweet nutmeg and a touch of cinnamon candy. The sweet and nutty flavors likely are pulled from the blue corn and that provides a very unique experience that is a refreshing spin on bourbon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">While we are starting to see more distilleries west of the Mississippi used blue corn, this one will be a stand out for us as a new and lovely experience. This was tasted three ways - neat, with a couple of drops of water and then with food. While we don't normally sip whiskey with food (it just isn't our thing), we found that this bottle paired <i>really well</i> with smoked turkey sausage and fried green beans. This bourbon really connected with food!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This first bottle from Ironton Distillery and Crafthouse in Denver, CO is a winner in our books. Without knowing how many barrels they have resting, we are hoping (fingers crossed) that they are keeping several on the racks so we can taste some 4 and 6 year whiskies in the future. We like what this distillery is doing and we will be keeping tabs on them. If you're in the Denver area, stop by and check them out!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYtOgaJmeIhiW2snEv1MsyyuPYpzvlCnv5IF9IiNW0d30TVV1L5RQzalX0d2EfOKZ-9AM61g3ruaBrOfJHHw10nCxqVERYJF2UwX737236uj22b6pqYT094o36pTWZBhSi6An7Vy-BIvK72sbkeWm7LzslA1ZY8Sp5wUiJzdM9691zpArm7ALCTJza0UE/s2016/Ironton%20Bourbon%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ironton Distillery Bourbon Whiskey back of bottle" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYtOgaJmeIhiW2snEv1MsyyuPYpzvlCnv5IF9IiNW0d30TVV1L5RQzalX0d2EfOKZ-9AM61g3ruaBrOfJHHw10nCxqVERYJF2UwX737236uj22b6pqYT094o36pTWZBhSi6An7Vy-BIvK72sbkeWm7LzslA1ZY8Sp5wUiJzdM9691zpArm7ALCTJza0UE/w300-h400/Ironton%20Bourbon%202.jpg" title="Ironton Distillery Bourbon Whiskey back of bottle" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">ABV: 43.0% (86.0 proof)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Distillery: Ironton Distillery & Crafthouse</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Suggested retail price: $65.00</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Drink The Bottles</i> score: 89/100</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Jeff Lawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055254576106051695noreply@blogger.com3636 Chestnut Pl, Denver, CO 80216, USA39.7729261 -104.978665611.462692263821154 -140.1349156 68.083159936178845 -69.8224156tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5200209146762656968.post-13120472958249867382024-02-21T19:05:00.004-05:002024-02-21T19:21:21.928-05:00Barrell Craft Spirits Dovetail<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGz2Xrao2lyQcw8v8WyXlHs1Ko3l9OLSGdjL4hSxFm83E6mL2CpNzQMR5DZYh2eRDq52hiS-V1LrKCPEtmphJ8o1uuQIRnByPb91KB2QzbkDXmXzyEW0KTULPeg0H9dmW-XJbxjCeeyAd8bny8gSb6dlvkGYFrvI6DG6ov1PtASqi9o5kytRp3kGegmQm/s2016/Dovetail%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Barrell Craft Spirits Dovetail Whiskey" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGz2Xrao2lyQcw8v8WyXlHs1Ko3l9OLSGdjL4hSxFm83E6mL2CpNzQMR5DZYh2eRDq52hiS-V1LrKCPEtmphJ8o1uuQIRnByPb91KB2QzbkDXmXzyEW0KTULPeg0H9dmW-XJbxjCeeyAd8bny8gSb6dlvkGYFrvI6DG6ov1PtASqi9o5kytRp3kGegmQm/w300-h400/Dovetail%201.jpg" title="Barrell Craft Spirits Dovetail Whiskey" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We could not be more excited for an opportunity to sample and share with you the Dovetail finished whiskey from <a href="https://www.barrellbourbon.com/dovetail" target="_blank"><b>Barrell Craft Spirits</b></a>. We have been a BCS fan for sometime, polishing off a few bottles of their Seagrass Rye and other offerings over the last year. Tasted from sample, this offering of Dovetail comes in at 124.7 proof but does not drink hot at all. The fact that it was finished in rum, port wine and Cabernet Sauvignon barrels from Dunn Vineyards really adds some incredible finesse and flavors to this lovely and aromatic whiskey.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">On the nose is a soul-searching saddle leather aroma, followed by slight pepper, campfire smoke and sweet yellow fruits. There are hints of that lovely limestone or wet rock aromas that peak through as well. It's a medium chestnut color and we think if we had added a couple drops of water, the dark cholocate flavors would have made an entrance. We tasted this neat and there was sweet ripe mango, tobacco smoke, herbs and peppercorn on the palate. This lovely whiskey stays with you to the very end, providing a finish that is long and it calls you back like a siren of the sea.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Is this a keeper? You bet! We have never had a bottle of anything from BCS where our reaction was, "Ehh, it's ok". They have all been winners and they don't last long around here. This one is right in line with the quality and expert blending that you expect from Joe Beatrice, Tripp Stinson and Nic Chistiansen. Absolutely delicious.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T7o2HvtJYJ0" width="320" youtube-src-id="T7o2HvtJYJ0"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">ABV: 62.35% (124.7 proof)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Distillery: Barrell Craft Spirits</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Suggested retail price: $79.99</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Drink The Bottles</i> score: 94/100</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Jeff Lawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055254576106051695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5200209146762656968.post-57649443166123169942024-02-12T10:30:00.004-05:002024-02-21T09:48:02.076-05:00Green River Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzDOP-3298w-dl-VqzzvLeBWrphEYvoKw2pjkWD-V_SWQCTcQ4hjyKTGdmzzArvg1pnEa56_1e1gT5B2f-9tY1rBUzB3kUeW11KAoAOaSL6GgsiKVyEVTrvA-x_rNvJUY45d_LtANEOm1Ytung1itZl-11dWImjpRZ3X9wzZ0dyF6m5HWXnSnCK47IF_T/s2016/GRR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Green River Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzDOP-3298w-dl-VqzzvLeBWrphEYvoKw2pjkWD-V_SWQCTcQ4hjyKTGdmzzArvg1pnEa56_1e1gT5B2f-9tY1rBUzB3kUeW11KAoAOaSL6GgsiKVyEVTrvA-x_rNvJUY45d_LtANEOm1Ytung1itZl-11dWImjpRZ3X9wzZ0dyF6m5HWXnSnCK47IF_T/w300-h400/GRR.jpg" title="Green River Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey" width="300" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Green River Distilling Company recently expanded their offering by releasing their first ever <b><a href="https://greenriverwhiskey.com/our-whiskey/" target="_blank">Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey</a></b>. This 95 proof bottle joins their previously-released and very successful bourbons. This whiskey is a blend from four to six year barrels and has a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley. In the bottle is a bright mahogany colored whiskey with a nose that includes red fruit, mint and baked biscuits. This is a very easy sipper and will appeal to devoted rye whiskey enthusiasts as they taste black tea, hints of spice, Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal and maple candy. After a few days opened, we kept going back to this bottle and we're picking up more citrus on the nose and fruit on the palate. This might be one of the best rye whiskeys we have tasted in months!</p><p>This bottle is another fine example that whiskey doesn't have to be expensive to be good and that it doesn't have to age for 10+ years to have mass appeal. Green River Distilling Company is the 10th oldest licensed distillery in Kentucky (DSP-KY-10) and they are owned by Bardstown Bourbon Company. This latest addition to their also means that GRDC is expanding their distribution markets and they will be in 34 states. In the coming years Green River anticipates nationwide distribution in addition to their Australian exports.</p><p>We should note that this whiskey was tasted neat and then again with one small ice cube. We are guessing that this one would also be fine in an Old Fashioned, so if you go that route, you'll have to let us know. This rye whiskey from Green River Distlling Company is a winner in our book and we can't wait to see what future releases are in store for the whiskey community!</p><p>Check out our YouTube review of this incredible Rye!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eNQha7496ko" width="320" youtube-src-id="eNQha7496ko"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>ABV: 47.5% (95 proof)</p><p>Distillery: Green River Distilling Company</p><p><b>Suggested retail price: $34.99</b></p><p><i>Drink The Bottles</i> score: 93+/100</p>Jeff Lawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055254576106051695noreply@blogger.com10 Distillery Rd, Owensboro, KY 42301, USA37.778873399999988 -87.13845829.4686395638211422 -122.2947082 66.089107236178833 -51.9822082tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5200209146762656968.post-15446360729512937952024-01-23T12:38:00.002-05:002024-02-21T09:49:06.226-05:00Traveller Whiskey (Blended)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQ6Ko8EhSAgA1sbXKzEtxzQV6QtfeqrDfSLKVSaoT_wTgR4pscZxebGk-hbKhTboOiHJ1WONaiN5t5g8y-vpC6F_TllgGz-KTx8IS_4VNX5FoEcBiTBAeyxZARw7pw947F80N2YcvL7VoOdR9O5p9DGbgmFbwxAhV04K_phS4DyssLv6BmJpyM-dOfvB7/s2016/Traveller%20Whiskey.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Traveller Whiskey" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQ6Ko8EhSAgA1sbXKzEtxzQV6QtfeqrDfSLKVSaoT_wTgR4pscZxebGk-hbKhTboOiHJ1WONaiN5t5g8y-vpC6F_TllgGz-KTx8IS_4VNX5FoEcBiTBAeyxZARw7pw947F80N2YcvL7VoOdR9O5p9DGbgmFbwxAhV04K_phS4DyssLv6BmJpyM-dOfvB7/w300-h400/Traveller%20Whiskey.jpg" title="Traveller Whiskey" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">What does a country music superstar and one of the world's most famous distilleries have in common? Well, let's find out! Right out of the gate, we're going to tell you that we were surprised that this wasn't a marriage between the 8-time Grammy winner and Jack Daniel's, but we'll get to that later.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Chris Stapleton has teamed up with Buffalo Trace Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley to offer this first-of-a-kind blended whiskey with a celebrity association from the Frankfort, KY landmark. Gimmick? Genius marketing? When this bottle was released just a few weeks ago we heard comments all over the board. Most whiskey enthusiasts were skeptical, but admittedly, they "had" to have that bottle.....or three. Some people cried foul and said this was all a poor attempt at boosting sales for both the country crooner and the distillery.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">If you know anything about either one, you quickly realize that they don't need to boost their sales. Both parties are doing just fine. Stapleton has a net worth of about $25 million and climbing. Buffalo Trace invested $1.2 billion into their expansion in order to keep up with demand. So, you can debunk the sales boosting theory.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">While many country music fans welcomed the collaboriation between the two brands, some questioned why Stapleton, who is admittedly now sober, would add his name to the bottle. Well, back up a second. Stapleton recently told <i>Rolling Stone</i> that while he isn't exactly sober, he has cut back on his drinking. The miscommunication was from a previous interview last year, but "CS" admits that he does enjoy drinking alcohol (he has about 200 bottles of bourbon at home), but not to the volume he used to in younger years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We love Buffalo Trace. We <i>really, really</i> enjoy all of their products that we have tasted to date. When we heard that Harlen Wheatley and Chris Stapleton had joined forces to marry a bottle of blended whiskey, we were pretty excited about the opportunity to find and taste this one. We really thought that Jack Daniel's would have snagged Stapleton first, especially with his remake of the hit song, <i>"Tennessee Whiskey".</i> But......we're not mad! Stapleton had been approached by distilleries and brands before, but the joint effor with BT felt right.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">So let's talk about <b><a href="https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/our-brands/traveller-whiskey.html" target="_blank">Traveller Whiskey</a></b>. Over 50 whiskey blends were sampled and number 40 was the winner and what made it to the bottle. While the mash bills, age statement and specific sources are under wraps, Buffalo Trace says that this blend is from "award winning distilleries". This was blended and bottled at the Frankfort distillery. The bottle features a roadmap of the back woods and the liquid inside is a gorgeous light to medium brown. Once you pop the cork you're going to love the abundant aromas of vanilla extract, ooey gooey butter cake and carmel syrup. The nose is definitely on the sweeter side, and that carries over to the first flavors you experience with that intital sip. Lightly salted nuts and kitchen spices finish this out with a somewhat short finish. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Almost immediately after Traveller Whiskey was released, we saw several 'taters' flipping these bottles on the secondary market for upwards of $150 per bottle. Take our advice and don't pay that for this bottle. Is it one worth having in your whiskey library to share and talk about with friends? Sure. Is it worth an inflated secondary price? Not in our opinion.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">No matter what your opinion is of this bottle, we can all agree that it is getting harder to find, is on the minds of collectors and enthusiasts alike, and it has created some buzz in the whiskey world. Selfishly, we would love to see more artistic collaborations between Buffalo Trace and other music superstars, but that remains to be seen. Cheers!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowovvpweThFw-Dqp1BIuo48jEO4zzLOhhV1eanP2YLwPuOQ_lc0urKgRhS1ds5VLUTyylx_JibEWsSO85FoVSypBv9erokqIORyiO07KADfzSVXLOIjY1BcxE2LgygRXYFZ4Fr_OLbL97BDKOEXx-7gv1LdvfaR3H7PHoWyLw5dP8L2-eUF1B41OnvSA7/s1365/traveller-whiskey-750ml-bottle-brand-page-664x1365.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Traveller Whiskey Bottle Detail" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="664" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowovvpweThFw-Dqp1BIuo48jEO4zzLOhhV1eanP2YLwPuOQ_lc0urKgRhS1ds5VLUTyylx_JibEWsSO85FoVSypBv9erokqIORyiO07KADfzSVXLOIjY1BcxE2LgygRXYFZ4Fr_OLbL97BDKOEXx-7gv1LdvfaR3H7PHoWyLw5dP8L2-eUF1B41OnvSA7/w195-h400/traveller-whiskey-750ml-bottle-brand-page-664x1365.png" title="Traveller Whiskey Bottle Detail" width="195" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XcxafYn6mjM" width="320" youtube-src-id="XcxafYn6mjM"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">ABV: 45% (90 proof)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Distillery: Buffalo Trace</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Suggested Retail Price: $39.99</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Drink The Bottles score:</i> 85/100</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p></p>Jeff Lawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055254576106051695noreply@blogger.com113 Great Buffalo Trce, Frankfort, KY 40601, USA38.2165649 -84.87104429.9063310638211561 -120.0272942 66.526798736178847 -49.7147942tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5200209146762656968.post-53435118180475647682024-01-09T11:35:00.002-05:002024-01-09T11:36:21.576-05:00NV Harvester Cabernet Sauvignon<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXq63LwvidzwNlPjwZ4ZxpO66oFKS4cmXTampUTcgZb5P2mTv-QSyxoiMwHlKbU5pfR1KDQ9i8JABgPZlHsKBkf2rFuBMDPGx1KYGdr1CzV7RRHTZqq1ZJj0QuRQeHCGUnZjRLZFrFjnNkkw41__EIpOh__OAonO0zbLlYVbo8maJi_5dU1_TNwCTJ5f8Z/s2016/Havester%20Cabernet%20Sauvignon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NV Harvester Cabernet Sauvignon" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXq63LwvidzwNlPjwZ4ZxpO66oFKS4cmXTampUTcgZb5P2mTv-QSyxoiMwHlKbU5pfR1KDQ9i8JABgPZlHsKBkf2rFuBMDPGx1KYGdr1CzV7RRHTZqq1ZJj0QuRQeHCGUnZjRLZFrFjnNkkw41__EIpOh__OAonO0zbLlYVbo8maJi_5dU1_TNwCTJ5f8Z/w274-h400/Havester%20Cabernet%20Sauvignon.jpg" title="NV Harvester Cabernet Sauvignon" width="274" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This wine is another testament from the pulpit where we continually exclaim that not all wine has to be expensive to be good. This is a non-vintage Harvester Cabernet Sauvignon from <a href="https://hopefamilywines.com/" target="_blank">Austin Hope Winery</a>. Non-vintage generally eludes that this wine is a blend of several vineyards and vintages and the production is on the higher side. That not only means that this wine is readily available, but it is also affordable. We originally tasted this bottle at a local wine shop and while it didn't mirror the $100 Ghost Block that we tasted, it certainly held its own.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This wine is from Paso Robles and has a pleasant, medium-dark purple color. The aromas are on the brighter side of red fruits and baked pastry, followed by notes of allspice and vanilla. On the palate is a plesant and sleek flavor profile of cherry, plum, spices and vanilla. The wine doesn't linger but the finish is satisfying and this is certainly a wine that would pair well with barbeque or stuffed peppers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">When you're having one of those nights that you want a solid Cabernet Sauvignon, but you don't want to pluck a $200 bottle out of your cellar, reach for this one! This would be a solid wine to serve at an informal get together as well. Enjoy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikM8-LtDPuLHJTtHCcC9Bo60uYWMGU27A4zY2MkBDtnvYMcrazqtJpCPKlpJWgR7F4E5y9DuQDFJY8rq6MUClXpDlvc0lE-oqGzlZgY4AQcQC49mZlPFEhTsbq5gYP4Ni6eknzkG70UOgMkZ8HWZev8GbnAtBX0bk-W6FfgQwaEXuyxQGGzNs6Y24j0HY-/s2016/Havester%20Cabernet%20Sauvignon%20label.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NV Harvester Cabernet Sauvignon label" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikM8-LtDPuLHJTtHCcC9Bo60uYWMGU27A4zY2MkBDtnvYMcrazqtJpCPKlpJWgR7F4E5y9DuQDFJY8rq6MUClXpDlvc0lE-oqGzlZgY4AQcQC49mZlPFEhTsbq5gYP4Ni6eknzkG70UOgMkZ8HWZev8GbnAtBX0bk-W6FfgQwaEXuyxQGGzNs6Y24j0HY-/w300-h400/Havester%20Cabernet%20Sauvignon%20label.jpg" title="NV Harvester Cabernet Sauvignon label" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">ABV: 13.5%</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Winery: Austin Hope Winery</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Suggested retail price: $19.99</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Drink The Bottles</i> score: 88/100</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Jeff Lawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055254576106051695noreply@blogger.com1585 Live Oak Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446, USA35.5880937 -120.72124227.2778598638211562 -155.8774922 63.898327536178847 -85.5649922tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5200209146762656968.post-21662487438367172022024-01-03T14:32:00.002-05:002024-01-03T14:42:08.831-05:00J Rieger's Kansas City Whiskey<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLiuEOfOj8pRyv8lYDDMRuWUsrVOqe12k-A4COkfHczZdD1MK-JqM4VPyyf36OWngAJdHfX6K2la9Ap2Nc-ybZythvpy1Q0eWpLrOktyG8Km_VisvMFaOXvaqiz80P7wqDnIItN67pgYHuoyRTMQeN7C0vou2fB21ch7_tTBwO43cbndTF6nORJ_Iuqz-3/s2016/JR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="J Rieger's Kansas City Whiskey" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLiuEOfOj8pRyv8lYDDMRuWUsrVOqe12k-A4COkfHczZdD1MK-JqM4VPyyf36OWngAJdHfX6K2la9Ap2Nc-ybZythvpy1Q0eWpLrOktyG8Km_VisvMFaOXvaqiz80P7wqDnIItN67pgYHuoyRTMQeN7C0vou2fB21ch7_tTBwO43cbndTF6nORJ_Iuqz-3/w300-h400/JR.jpg" title="J Rieger's Kansas City Whiskey" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">There has been a buzz online for several months about J Rieger's whiskey offerings. Admittedly, we weren't familiar, but the excitement was growing both locally and across the country since they released their first bottle about 20 months ago. Well, it's not their first, but there was that pesky Prohibition that go in the way. It only takes a spark to get a fire going, right? When we came across this bottle of <b><a href="https://www.jriegerco.com/our-spirits/kcwhiskey" target="_blank">J Rieger's Kansas City Whiskey</a></b> at a local liquor store, we snatched it up. In fact, it was the last bottle on the shelf and it has been difficult to find since that time. Why? Well, let us tell you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This is a blended whiskey, coming at 92 proof. The blend includes straight rye whiskey, straight bourbon whiskey and light corn whiskey - all aged 4 years or more. But there's also the smallest amount of oloroso sherry from spain (15 year) that is introduced to the blend to create a unique and welcoming flavor profile. In fact, whether you are a sherry fan or not, you pick up on that decadent and rich buterscotch aroma at first pour. Dried fig, dark chocolate morsels, candied almonds and allspice swirl around in your mouth, providing you with a solid and mildly spicy finish. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We paid only $29.99 for this bottle of whiskey and it is an absolute winner! The price generally ranges from $24.99 to $35.99, depending on your location. Currently, Rieger's is distributed in 28 states and I'm guessing they will be expanding more in the upcoming year. Available in 375ml, 750ml and 1.75L bottles. J Rieger has a fascinating and long history, dating back well before Prohibition. But in current day, they have been "back in business" since 2014. Their first release, Bottled in Bond Straight Rye, was released in August of 2021 and they haven't looked back since. We can't wait to see what is in store for this delicious and proud brand.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">ABV: 46% (92 proof)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Distillery: J. Rieger & Co.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>Suggested retail price: $29.99</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>Drink The Bottles score: </i>92/100</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Jeff Lawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055254576106051695noreply@blogger.com2700 Guinotte Ave, Kansas City, MO 64120, USA39.1200018 -94.54888989999999210.809767963821152 -129.7051399 67.43023563617885 -59.392639899999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5200209146762656968.post-41487294469069633682023-12-26T12:24:00.002-05:002024-01-03T14:33:09.751-05:00Russell's Reserve 13 Year Old Bourbon<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwR_Cjf_N0pzMBGZh6DUjH5cgC3KjNiZ9arJxvbF2E2Gh7PfkQ6tRgqTx9B8fFRIx_rkdWAgmWWf97w0ekCKgMVD8gDIQV6yvjJtWB3ZrBd__a7Ddw8FpsYxaUBY1lbl_lDAP-Ga1PzSvhoXkvjmVlFqdHMOjGMo1ZM61qaMFjq5ts5XLpjYiuzpYrF_d/s2016/13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Russell's Reserve 13 Year Old Bourbon" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwR_Cjf_N0pzMBGZh6DUjH5cgC3KjNiZ9arJxvbF2E2Gh7PfkQ6tRgqTx9B8fFRIx_rkdWAgmWWf97w0ekCKgMVD8gDIQV6yvjJtWB3ZrBd__a7Ddw8FpsYxaUBY1lbl_lDAP-Ga1PzSvhoXkvjmVlFqdHMOjGMo1ZM61qaMFjq5ts5XLpjYiuzpYrF_d/w300-h400/13.jpg" title="Russell's Reserve 13 Year Old Bourbon" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Just over a year ago I had the opportunity to taste <b><a href="https://www.russellsreserve.com/en-us/our-products/13-year-old-bourbon/" target="_blank">Russell's Reserve 13 Year Old Bourbon</a></b> for the first time. A friend of mine had picked up a bottle locally for $107 (MSRP at the time was $99) and surprised me with a taste. He knew, at the time, that this was on my top-10 "wish list" so I was ecstatic to have this opportunity. We later discovered that he had Batch 2 of this limited release bourbon from Wild Turkey Distillery.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The mash bill on this is 75% corn, 13% rye and 12% malted barley and it comes in just under 115 proof (114.8). The initial nose was on the sweeter side with cinnamon toast, apple pie and baking spices at the forefront. Admittedly, we didn't really let this one sit very long which was a mistake in hindsight. In the mouth was a fruity and leathery blend of whiskey that brought to light more complexity with cracked pepper, cherry pie and maple towards the mid palate. The 13 year oak helps frame this bourbon, bringing back the leather and sweeter flavors. This is a great example of expert bourbon creation from the Russell men. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The new MSRP on the latest release of Russell's Reserve 13 Year is $149. While I would (and have) paid $149 for that bottle, I honestly think that the better bang for your buck is to find a Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Private Barrel Selection. Nearly every one of those that I have tasted are as equally amazing as the RR 13 and you only lose a few proof points. Don't get me wrong. If I see one of these in the wild and not at secondary prices, I'm picking it up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">ABV: 57.4% (114.8 proof)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Distillery: Wild Turkey</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>Suggested retail price: $99 (currently $149)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>Drink The Bottles</i> score: 91/100</div><p></p>Jeff Lawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055254576106051695noreply@blogger.com1525 Tyrone Rd, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342, USA38.0375435 -84.8505519.7273096638211527 -120.006801 66.347777336178837 -49.694300999999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5200209146762656968.post-11842889021141093322023-02-14T15:36:00.000-05:002023-02-14T15:36:04.753-05:002018 Youngberg Hill Natasha Pinot Noir<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhdKzcXm5zohFHoh_zTnJJ0nQQVBC8Vl3ylXCB6hznoamphw7JaUwZlOAsUbxCMAHrF7GYGBRVmZ8HxNrNtPLF6bKHtAd2iyPQBBEvOFs6ePh6VPqFjocy35GsH46uqFaXXWy_-imvPEyjE8bRS9gPglSoPHhqsZaAxEUY-LJTX-SwRMtx_QzrEQaSA/s2016/pn1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2018 Youngberg Hill Natasha Pinot Noir" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhdKzcXm5zohFHoh_zTnJJ0nQQVBC8Vl3ylXCB6hznoamphw7JaUwZlOAsUbxCMAHrF7GYGBRVmZ8HxNrNtPLF6bKHtAd2iyPQBBEvOFs6ePh6VPqFjocy35GsH46uqFaXXWy_-imvPEyjE8bRS9gPglSoPHhqsZaAxEUY-LJTX-SwRMtx_QzrEQaSA/w300-h400/pn1.jpg" title="2018 Youngberg Hill Natasha Pinot Noir" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Don't worry wine snobs. Not all great wines have corks. The <b><a href="https://store.youngberghill.com/product/2018-Natasha-Block-Pinot-Noir-?pageID=4FAFD68F-CDAB-4FE0-9023-BD96FC57736F&sortBy=DisplayOrder&maxRows=10&&productListName=Red%20Wine&position=5" target="_blank">2018 Youngberg Hill Natasha Pinot Noir</a></b> is a screwtop but there is nothing screwy about this wine! Blueberry compote, leather bound book, wet stone and barn dust are prevalent on the nose. You really get lost in the aromas of this juice and we found our noses in the glass repeatedly! Berry cobbler, mocha and ripe plum dance on the palate with a firm but not overbearing acidity. Medium and memorable finish puts this wine in a "must buy" Oregon Pinot category. It's quite lovely!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVfvJSoCFKMMGynoRFGoWSTkwXQlAFNumhBTiciA3BmvZLvnlrNWEs8hIFUlSsudIS-kALl1Cyf98yFXHJOag75O464nPv0K6btjaZP6KkaDnBSp6iRS0VlpsYsx9CaYkMBHRRVzWyhDRYhlgM_SFISd4yo_03eb_t7v-0PShpKYTfgEAxBf1y8t6cA/s2016/pn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2018 Youngberg Hill Natasha Pinot Noir label" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVfvJSoCFKMMGynoRFGoWSTkwXQlAFNumhBTiciA3BmvZLvnlrNWEs8hIFUlSsudIS-kALl1Cyf98yFXHJOag75O464nPv0K6btjaZP6KkaDnBSp6iRS0VlpsYsx9CaYkMBHRRVzWyhDRYhlgM_SFISd4yo_03eb_t7v-0PShpKYTfgEAxBf1y8t6cA/w300-h400/pn2.jpg" title="2018 Youngberg Hill Natasha Pinot Noir label" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>ABV: 14.0%<div><br /></div><div>McMinnville, OR</div><div><br /></div><div>Production: 600 cases</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Suggested retail price: $65.00</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i>Drink The Bottles </i>score: 92/100<br /><p><br /></p></div>Jeff Lawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055254576106051695noreply@blogger.com10660 SW Youngberg Hill Rd, McMinnville, OR 97128, USA45.1902563 -123.29069616.880022463821156 -158.446946 73.500490136178854 -88.134446tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5200209146762656968.post-73405985549963200622022-10-11T12:27:00.004-04:002022-12-01T14:03:27.620-05:00Winery Spotlight: Krupp Brothers Estate<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yAfWWzg6L-NW5PQ4eqMFcFB9NyrK_rvZrBxOAFn_hpV9vwFChdEyWdG6C7AWiJ8PK42pA1z8r5cjWE13uCXiXdE8z9zwKcfBwQl6zhSzD8uqSAsF11gGkKjUa6Kh6vJptliK6NPVy4w5XjXmr3nTgPa-cDVUqwDJ8K_eMWlTUHWVPgLTRPLmGhtmDg/s360/Krupp%20Brothers%20Logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Krupp Brothers Winery" border="0" data-original-height="140" data-original-width="360" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yAfWWzg6L-NW5PQ4eqMFcFB9NyrK_rvZrBxOAFn_hpV9vwFChdEyWdG6C7AWiJ8PK42pA1z8r5cjWE13uCXiXdE8z9zwKcfBwQl6zhSzD8uqSAsF11gGkKjUa6Kh6vJptliK6NPVy4w5XjXmr3nTgPa-cDVUqwDJ8K_eMWlTUHWVPgLTRPLmGhtmDg/w400-h155/Krupp%20Brothers%20Logo.jpg" title="Krupp Brothers Winery logo" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">About ten years ago, Jeff blindly reached out to Krupp Brothers winery to introduce himself as a fledgling wine blogger. The winery was kind enough to send Jeff a few bottles to review, and the rest, as they say, is history. We have been very enthusiastic fans of Krupp Brothers wines and have enjoyed sharing these wines not only virtually with their readers, but in person with their friends. And, just as it <i>should happen, </i>it did. Those friend started buying Krupp Brothers wines and eventually some of them became wine club members. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">In late August, we had the opportunity to travel with close friends to Napa and Sonoma for an amazing wine adventure. This was our second visit to the Krupp Brothers estate in as many years and we were excited to share this special place with a new couple joining us on our trip this year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDuoiOVxUka_snlX0s88FNS54TewdXf_C86Y-fkl5dovzYPThFK0gNdp1-RByBIRxPqwSVIPaY3LJvQ_R63335i_Zz1-VZfkNpRxtMtld9RbWAlkIstn9KXb6fVPJIquFdRdF_tUdaAZ4VEjfDRwm0E7BF4nganF4DLqoNF4viI4SGJ_RMN82XTY0pQ/s640/Krupp%20Brothers%20Napa%20Scott.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Porsche tractor at Krupp Brothers" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDuoiOVxUka_snlX0s88FNS54TewdXf_C86Y-fkl5dovzYPThFK0gNdp1-RByBIRxPqwSVIPaY3LJvQ_R63335i_Zz1-VZfkNpRxtMtld9RbWAlkIstn9KXb6fVPJIquFdRdF_tUdaAZ4VEjfDRwm0E7BF4nganF4DLqoNF4viI4SGJ_RMN82XTY0pQ/w300-h400/Krupp%20Brothers%20Napa%20Scott.jpg" title="The Porsche tractor at Krupp Brothers" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>"Napa Scott" posing with the Porsche tractor outside of the tasting room. We believe that this is an obligator picture for anyone visiting the estate.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Our visit started with estate director Tyler Hinsley and our wine educator/tour guide Sierra Fiddler greeting us at the end of the picturesque drive. I'd like to think they were eager to see us (which we know they were) but it might also be because we were running about 10 minutes late since we had <i>just</i> landed and headed straight to the estate from the Sacramento airport.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWupkTFSdM74HLP0TSch5niODpmz_OJRe32nzoCL_Dk9TaXT7C5j5aXBM_VM2EQ4yqKSnvabN0TECbl_uX8Zm-92TIcNLLQDoGkqpXpqwpIHMZ_EVxIAdpQwMMQRY0uY7ZR5edGhD8zkaKWY1lr7emjbNVdklhhTGgz3CUb4oPyv4uqkGY3-EVGUKmg/s640/Krupp%20Brothers%20Cabernet%20Grapes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cabernet grapes at the Krupp Brothers estate" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWupkTFSdM74HLP0TSch5niODpmz_OJRe32nzoCL_Dk9TaXT7C5j5aXBM_VM2EQ4yqKSnvabN0TECbl_uX8Zm-92TIcNLLQDoGkqpXpqwpIHMZ_EVxIAdpQwMMQRY0uY7ZR5edGhD8zkaKWY1lr7emjbNVdklhhTGgz3CUb4oPyv4uqkGY3-EVGUKmg/w300-h400/Krupp%20Brothers%20Cabernet%20Grapes.jpg" title="Cabernet grapes at the Krupp Brothers estate" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The grapes were looking amazing and about to burst! </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Because our trip was late August/early September, harvest was just around the corner. Overall, the grapes this year looked, smelled and tasted extraordinary and the consensus in Napa Valley is that 2022 would be another vintage for the record books. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6q1XVkvqaVfYD-9QvqUFrFi2yEIfSvvfBunh8kPldDd6jvxgk8_1-W6MeIdbOXWyF6YfG44nrMBTTHiMKtTu2sySq0jE1tbTFT3usWyZ_l9hDpau1Pq1md0vbAxWuRpEfBwnxGlJj14_haospx4XBzDieUOE59LRovD7ZoLKoKrxD9sy4sq9PMqjKQ/s640/Krupp%20Brothers%20Cabernet%20Sign.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cabernet Sauvignon sign" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6q1XVkvqaVfYD-9QvqUFrFi2yEIfSvvfBunh8kPldDd6jvxgk8_1-W6MeIdbOXWyF6YfG44nrMBTTHiMKtTu2sySq0jE1tbTFT3usWyZ_l9hDpau1Pq1md0vbAxWuRpEfBwnxGlJj14_haospx4XBzDieUOE59LRovD7ZoLKoKrxD9sy4sq9PMqjKQ/w300-h400/Krupp%20Brothers%20Cabernet%20Sign.jpg" title="Cabernet Sauvignon sign" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Cabernet Sauvignon at Krupp Brothers estate</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Sierra showed us around the estate and guided us to the veranda overlooking the manicured and beautiful vineyards. She told us about the history of Krupp Brothers, Stagecoach Vineyard and the story about finding water in an area that was believed to be desolate. Sierra was a breath of fresh air and incredibly enthusiastic and knowledgeable about "everything" Krupp Brothers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLJG1q7l62Vl23g58UbqQOkP3w-ncprdA14OvPgfz5xZzfmbMKNbXqeU-7pMvslkFosTZ6s9zqrIO92UJRh_N8eHAEWdT1tsu_IKQFuo04VIP16IPCDKResDy6NK0wCthJ5Y_4TU6coM8KPUZlblTTUYB3_lmz8WMdbuf0ZMcW4Ctu8JoR-o_gVs45w/s640/Krupp%20Brothers%20Sierra.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sierra Fiddler of Krupp Brothers" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLJG1q7l62Vl23g58UbqQOkP3w-ncprdA14OvPgfz5xZzfmbMKNbXqeU-7pMvslkFosTZ6s9zqrIO92UJRh_N8eHAEWdT1tsu_IKQFuo04VIP16IPCDKResDy6NK0wCthJ5Y_4TU6coM8KPUZlblTTUYB3_lmz8WMdbuf0ZMcW4Ctu8JoR-o_gVs45w/w300-h400/Krupp%20Brothers%20Sierra.jpg" title="Sierra Fiddler of Krupp Brothers" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Sierra Fiddler, tour guide extraordinaire</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Much to our surprise, Dr. Jan Krupp, showed up and greeted us out back. To say that I was over-the-moon would be a gross understatement. While we met Dr. Krupp previously, it really meant a lot for him to take time out of his busy scheduled to entertain our questions for nearly an hour. Believe me, I'm sure he's heard them all before! Maybe our next tasting can be at his house? (Hint, hint Dr. K!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yOPMTckL7MxbByIHh4xbzKj7b6SlTql8fHBu_lJyUSkmzMjqR3adGWlFov47mKikyYPbsPdyg0x2NZKK7B_t6Y0AEDcrGpkwbS1WRGvSTkxbxQ6GIftHeeUUNHIb1N-BBki8LHt7As4rZMCnzVqTAOzzteR999D8LkakR2rf1VFtGVcZfGgj0RtvVg/s640/Krupp%20Brothers%20Dr%20K.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dr. Jan Krupp in tasting room" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yOPMTckL7MxbByIHh4xbzKj7b6SlTql8fHBu_lJyUSkmzMjqR3adGWlFov47mKikyYPbsPdyg0x2NZKK7B_t6Y0AEDcrGpkwbS1WRGvSTkxbxQ6GIftHeeUUNHIb1N-BBki8LHt7As4rZMCnzVqTAOzzteR999D8LkakR2rf1VFtGVcZfGgj0RtvVg/w300-h400/Krupp%20Brothers%20Dr%20K.jpg" title="Dr. Jan Krupp in tasting room" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Dr. Jan Krupp fielding the group's questions and telling us stories</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">If you ever have the opportunity to sit down with a wine maker or a vintner, do NOT pass up the chance. We learned so much from our time with Dr. Krupp and we had a lot of laughs on the way. This is time that we will treasure forever!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8vUdtdl_lzflKuU4qQLlx26Fm_dU-9-kQYiVrJRAJ1EQDH9NSdejK1fH7QLdeun-okbuyjAXSTsZxhXoQCYI6OqK9zpn7Hwx57nBafenwXdqGlwmhx-omKQOP7Hspoi6IXhX-Kx-cNi9hTj9LTPj9O128gkqYM8fbnZIDoGwkwfDfseku7CPlACvBQ/s640/Krupp%20Brothers%20Tasting%20Room.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Krupp Brothers tasting line up" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8vUdtdl_lzflKuU4qQLlx26Fm_dU-9-kQYiVrJRAJ1EQDH9NSdejK1fH7QLdeun-okbuyjAXSTsZxhXoQCYI6OqK9zpn7Hwx57nBafenwXdqGlwmhx-omKQOP7Hspoi6IXhX-Kx-cNi9hTj9LTPj9O128gkqYM8fbnZIDoGwkwfDfseku7CPlACvBQ/w300-h400/Krupp%20Brothers%20Tasting%20Room.jpg" title="Krupp Brothers tasting line up" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Incredible setting and gorgeous wines at the Krupp Brothers estate tasting room</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Our tasting included five (no, make that 6 because of a 'bonus' tasting) Krupp Brothers wines and charcuterie. Each wine was unique, elegant and incredibly special. It's so tough to pick a favorite. We were determined this year to cellar some of our purchases away so we can enjoy them for many years. All too often we drink the wines young and don't appreciate the aging capabilities of these gems. We WILL be sharing our thoughts on these wines on the blog and social media at a later date.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6rBCIYrd6i4B32CnZkpbaPlhooer0eZvNim1V5nu1zq2ccX2iv6-q8owkjCO5SPyOI8VGP8RtWaZyGx5p3j3JmiPS3Lete9NEQegoM4l7KKuUhG2lVMU4zXnHMvBIyGPJlofp2nBL_K1pHH5hk3AADgved_JsKRQPZpLc1VYxM1o87q2jgUOvItI2w/s640/Krupp%20Brothers%20Tyler.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tyler Hinsley, estate director" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6rBCIYrd6i4B32CnZkpbaPlhooer0eZvNim1V5nu1zq2ccX2iv6-q8owkjCO5SPyOI8VGP8RtWaZyGx5p3j3JmiPS3Lete9NEQegoM4l7KKuUhG2lVMU4zXnHMvBIyGPJlofp2nBL_K1pHH5hk3AADgved_JsKRQPZpLc1VYxM1o87q2jgUOvItI2w/w300-h400/Krupp%20Brothers%20Tyler.jpg" title="Tyler Hinsley, estate director" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Tyler Hinsley, estate director for Krupp Brothers</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Another highlight of our visit was our new friend and estate director, Tyler Hinsley. Tyler's genuine kindness, enthusiasm and excitement about the Krupp Brothers label was infectious. He even helped us locate a couple of library wines that we can open at a much later date. Tyler was incredible nice on the phone and via email, but became an immediate friend when we met him in person. We also had the chance to hang out with Tyler later that evening when we visited the Krupp Brothers downtown tasting room for a fun time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh91iOg_1Xgv3Vwc8GAvQa6onHbmDXJwRqf2fZnRgVgdB-6d2gX3RvA09lhYVlfHGkTU44e5-PPrX2Zq4ktiJXEhjc74887QWDky5bkvvcKwOJ3QOeu6eXwwn6EDPRfZMj8D2y5h7WkyDMdTh-nrZwmPYO5_Yg8QTYF-7du7l2X2xQbKQCSDCU2yBQ7A/s640/Krupp%20Brothers%20The%20Gang.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The California Wine Group at Krupp Brothers" border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh91iOg_1Xgv3Vwc8GAvQa6onHbmDXJwRqf2fZnRgVgdB-6d2gX3RvA09lhYVlfHGkTU44e5-PPrX2Zq4ktiJXEhjc74887QWDky5bkvvcKwOJ3QOeu6eXwwn6EDPRfZMj8D2y5h7WkyDMdTh-nrZwmPYO5_Yg8QTYF-7du7l2X2xQbKQCSDCU2yBQ7A/w400-h300/Krupp%20Brothers%20The%20Gang.jpg" title="The California Wine Group at Krupp Brothers" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The "Cali Wine Trip" crew with Dr. Jan Krupp</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">There are literally hundreds of wineries you can visit in Napa and Sonoma. In fact, the toughest part of planning any trip is narrowing down the list and then narrowing it down again. While wish we could visit them all, visiting the special places like Krupp Brothers completes our adventure and creates memories of a lifetime. Krupp Brothers is definitely a "must re-visit" destination for us and we think you will love it too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">For more information about Krupp Brothers, their story, their history and those incredible wines, please check out <a href="https://www.kruppbrothers.com" target="_blank">https://www.kruppbrothers.com</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_aSDx9_zHRwfKVwVil84c8W7DnnrrmYv8ty0fcuHwewuP1MarRzLqo4Fj0xBxFsr2W8vtYWaruoAHsYmM8wenbzTF-q-xHisdCZvK6hKjIVPVU3WdCgSW4T6Mr5kVtM37Y-gqgb7GeqB5nNHgWRw8q1UDDaczz8xj935Qw_XU9PwJ6R3qupKv_bCYQw/s640/001DrKrupp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dr. Jan Krupp and Jeff Lawson" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_aSDx9_zHRwfKVwVil84c8W7DnnrrmYv8ty0fcuHwewuP1MarRzLqo4Fj0xBxFsr2W8vtYWaruoAHsYmM8wenbzTF-q-xHisdCZvK6hKjIVPVU3WdCgSW4T6Mr5kVtM37Y-gqgb7GeqB5nNHgWRw8q1UDDaczz8xj935Qw_XU9PwJ6R3qupKv_bCYQw/w400-h400/001DrKrupp.jpg" title="Dr. Jan Krupp and Jeff Lawson" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>You didn't really think I wasn't going to get this picture, did you!?</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Posted by Jeff</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Jeff Lawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055254576106051695noreply@blogger.com1094 Hardman Ave, Napa, CA 94558, USA38.3482586 -122.279917110.038024763821156 -157.4361671 66.658492436178847 -87.1236671tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5200209146762656968.post-3834298648754423302022-09-21T16:22:00.004-04:002022-09-21T16:22:57.119-04:002020 Bells Up Winery Jupiter Pinot Noir<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cxIRkhIcvkqgVoC7xqLQ_nobXUbbpSwCkkB5_p3vY57mtLKCYxb7Jc5rWPIpm1l6k-jQsn6urz4vdx3BHgFTBPZ47UbnHK_6qrXEXh_EycQX-jlGDtl0_EKaUAhrx-1j7YYsWWykRDnsuK_4JjfX3jXclzWJxwNRzf-81EU2H8QpYYQ0bE37JJyQYw/s2016/Jupiter1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2020 Bells Up Winery Jupiter Pinot Noir" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cxIRkhIcvkqgVoC7xqLQ_nobXUbbpSwCkkB5_p3vY57mtLKCYxb7Jc5rWPIpm1l6k-jQsn6urz4vdx3BHgFTBPZ47UbnHK_6qrXEXh_EycQX-jlGDtl0_EKaUAhrx-1j7YYsWWykRDnsuK_4JjfX3jXclzWJxwNRzf-81EU2H8QpYYQ0bE37JJyQYw/w300-h400/Jupiter1.jpg" title="2020 Bells Up Winery Jupiter Pinot Noir" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Rounding out our tastings of samples from Bells Up Winery is their 2020 Jupiter Pinot Noir. This comes from an estate vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains. Three words.... It is fantastic. Too often we have been slightly underwhelmed by Pinot, often getting the "same old" dusty, overly sweet rose petal vibe. But not with this. This Pinot Noir is built differently and if this is testament to the Chehalem Mountains AVA, then we can't wait to visit some day. Cherry pie, tobacco leaf, graphite and forest floor on the nose. Solid medium purple color makes an introduction to rhubarb, cherry pomegranate and a subtle hint of pepper, leading to a finish that leaves you yearning for more. This wine should be in your cellar and with such a low production, you'd better act fast. This is drinking wonderfully now and should for another 5-7 years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrSmu1onakioAIm7uxcfILPqjZOgf0whM0uhJD20jm8hYMEBKQD78vz3MQOl-p50HOmUhe-CbEFakjKzuferwH5kllXh58Kh15MG7XODynAgQHT8-7sIQr_6hpt3UfqtqUkuaXUlFOkbOZtFM8xEfJxqfnHXEc4Hxr-Z6VXiGKelQFJZn-I-IwBXOvQ/s2016/Jupiter2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2020 Bells Up Winery Jupiter Pinot Noir label" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrSmu1onakioAIm7uxcfILPqjZOgf0whM0uhJD20jm8hYMEBKQD78vz3MQOl-p50HOmUhe-CbEFakjKzuferwH5kllXh58Kh15MG7XODynAgQHT8-7sIQr_6hpt3UfqtqUkuaXUlFOkbOZtFM8xEfJxqfnHXEc4Hxr-Z6VXiGKelQFJZn-I-IwBXOvQ/w300-h400/Jupiter2.jpg" title="2020 Bells Up Winery Jupiter Pinot Noir label" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">ABV: 13.5%</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Chehalem Mountains, OR</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Production: 94 cases</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Suggested retail price: $48.00</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Drink The Bottles </i>score: 94/100</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Jeff Lawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055254576106051695noreply@blogger.comOPEN BY APPOINTMENT PLEASE, 27895 NE Bell Rd, Newberg, OR 97132, USA45.333673999999988 -122.9507517.023440163821142 -158.107 73.64390783617884 -87.7945tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5200209146762656968.post-89944592761640352622022-08-23T15:07:00.001-04:002022-08-23T15:07:47.413-04:002021 Bells Up Winery Rhapsody Pinot Blanc<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEhN9hSUkUUqh9QfkqXe2Qm9Hdmh-PNVVwcD4lMWa4jSetbHfl_8RSPJ82xaNlm4ugRNsuIYOyo-NRt8eGp5qagD_UqMDGVK-4a0dwQnm3EGrhnk-BqJB89DvAmcgu73RDH-yHdMFC3FnUyZ_IjwIrclr-n8k7IpCcz589VG-Y1Bb-RnEtQW7PAwj3Q/s2016/Rhapsody1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2021 Bells Up Winery Rhapsody Pinot Blanc" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEhN9hSUkUUqh9QfkqXe2Qm9Hdmh-PNVVwcD4lMWa4jSetbHfl_8RSPJ82xaNlm4ugRNsuIYOyo-NRt8eGp5qagD_UqMDGVK-4a0dwQnm3EGrhnk-BqJB89DvAmcgu73RDH-yHdMFC3FnUyZ_IjwIrclr-n8k7IpCcz589VG-Y1Bb-RnEtQW7PAwj3Q/w300-h400/Rhapsody1.jpg" title="2021 Bells Up Winery Rhapsody Pinot Blanc" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The <b><a href="http://bellsupwinery.com/2016/01/01/2021-rhapsody/" target="_blank">2021 Bells Up Winery Rhapsody Pinot Blanc</a></b> wine from this small, family-owned winery is our second introduction of unique and flavorful wines from David and Sara Specter. Pinot Blanc is not a dominant varietal and if you haven't tried it, <i>this</i> is the one you need to get. Aged on lees for six months, this has a fuller body feel than many white Pinot grape varieties and the terroir of Willamette Valley is evident by the wet stone, crisp fruit flavors and dollops of soy sauce lurking in the background. There is just the right amount of baking spices mid palate and a memorable finish that includes a noticeable acidity and mineral notes. We love when you taste a wine and just smile from ear to ear, knowing that you've discovered a fun, memorable bottle. This wine is drinking very well right now and should for another 4-5 years. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxyPEz8eqLZXgC6kkO3rEweBRWuKJIQPLcIKf6d1sfq4P_fZreJvhe2N9dXJUHxmgXoS8QmT5_uEDV6HSm_LwpIL68eYfiAJxDVVBcTuS5IcNPoQ0VUfFaJy9Ldotyg_AeC-gm-ekhvwsFOYeZjOUXT78G1frVio6fmM3b_2LHV3edwjjZR7Ovm3zcQ/s2016/Rhapsody2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2021 Bells Up Winery Rhapsody Pinot Blanc label" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxyPEz8eqLZXgC6kkO3rEweBRWuKJIQPLcIKf6d1sfq4P_fZreJvhe2N9dXJUHxmgXoS8QmT5_uEDV6HSm_LwpIL68eYfiAJxDVVBcTuS5IcNPoQ0VUfFaJy9Ldotyg_AeC-gm-ekhvwsFOYeZjOUXT78G1frVio6fmM3b_2LHV3edwjjZR7Ovm3zcQ/w300-h400/Rhapsody2.jpg" title="2021 Bells Up Winery Rhapsody Pinot Blanc label" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Medium golden color and very fragrant.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mmwE3GCaG-cXnuDW72cmHUu3H9cOphfNgmuG4pGwLQqBZaEm_SEYJy043wlvK-4L82vtqMHc3J-3TBIzSw4UhnrVsNsFAQ09bT0IDstuxRvmvAxaFPMXS76k5KwMaCahTqmdQM89idLfsEvmlD2aIqgh_R0FHMHRk0ZPmlB6pi6-C1AkzQ6cdAgCoA/s2016/Rhapsody3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2021 Bells Up Winery Rhapsody Pinot Blanc with Popcorn" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mmwE3GCaG-cXnuDW72cmHUu3H9cOphfNgmuG4pGwLQqBZaEm_SEYJy043wlvK-4L82vtqMHc3J-3TBIzSw4UhnrVsNsFAQ09bT0IDstuxRvmvAxaFPMXS76k5KwMaCahTqmdQM89idLfsEvmlD2aIqgh_R0FHMHRk0ZPmlB6pi6-C1AkzQ6cdAgCoA/w300-h400/Rhapsody3.jpg" title="2021 Bells Up Winery Rhapsody Pinot Blanc with Popcorn" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We generally don't taste wines (when reviewing) with food. After we scribed our thoughts on paper we could just tell that this Pinot Blanc would be a great wine to compliment a snack. We tasted this with popcorn from <b><a href="https://www.northernneckpopcornbag.com/" target="_blank">Northern Neck Popcorn Bag</a></b> and the pairing was a-MAZ-ing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">ABV: 12.9%</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Willamette Valley, OR</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Production: 114 Cases</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>Suggested retail price: $32.00</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>Drink The Bottles</i> score: 91/100</div><br /><i><br /></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Jeff Lawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055254576106051695noreply@blogger.comOPEN BY APPOINTMENT PLEASE, 27895 NE Bell Rd, Newberg, OR 97132, USA45.333673999999988 -122.9507517.023440163821142 -158.107 73.64390783617884 -87.7945tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5200209146762656968.post-13373443745980447852022-08-22T14:41:00.008-04:002022-08-23T15:08:15.811-04:002021 Bells Up Winery Prelude Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0ZLeUY9O4BoUmrztu2wJLaft7KBbtY8kcZIVbB64h4EqwYfNzavhmEur0K01lZCk15npaMOzA20dt38A-VjXeZ4FyvKwhtTOXxpI_irOUrJ-V8OB2XzmalOlSykaBOg2gKeDJ7cFPOytb7tcynEBpFvlxn6xFMoIJz9reTaokSVcloldJjDQx7mh-A/s2016/Rose1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2021 Bells Up Winery Prelude Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0ZLeUY9O4BoUmrztu2wJLaft7KBbtY8kcZIVbB64h4EqwYfNzavhmEur0K01lZCk15npaMOzA20dt38A-VjXeZ4FyvKwhtTOXxpI_irOUrJ-V8OB2XzmalOlSykaBOg2gKeDJ7cFPOytb7tcynEBpFvlxn6xFMoIJz9reTaokSVcloldJjDQx7mh-A/w300-h400/Rose1.jpg" title="2021 Bells Up Winery Prelude Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Kicking off our series of Oregon wines, we started with this inviting Rosé that is as gorgeous in the glass as it is on the tongue. The <b><a href="http://bellsupwinery.com/2016/01/01/2021-prelude/" target="_blank">2021 Bells Up Winery Prelude Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir</a></b> first captures the eye with the stunning reddish hue, darker than many other Pinot Noir rosé on the market. It was intriguing and immediately mouth-watering. We tasted this wine both on its own merit and with food (which is unusual for us, but we had to prove a point to ourselves). With ample time in the glass, we began swirling and collecting pleasant, but not overpowering, aromas of strawberry and pomegranate. The fruit is more noticeable on the palate and the acid is in check and doesn't even begin to overpower this easy-drinking wine. The finish is subtle and enjoyable. While we don't always taste wines with food, there was something here that was urging us to do so. We tasted this with a variety of salty cheeses and the pairing was absolutely incredible. This is definitely a "food" wine and one of the best Rosé of Pinot Noir that we have tasted in recent memory. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_Lh6siWrD8xnTnGmGluPf_Hxk4qElV1SmhQ3HMz9ZdszejMlP4QWoZbazGrOpGZJAUdUUM7FRqCubsOQuIwMMCPwBFg-Q3SxXixmsGYgMVh4TAzgbyVMA43HBZXT3OlCSOIzCHzquTeK4IH1n3O4xjmweFO2z2I6IARzgb96bI_4crQ2E0UFPAhJdg/s2016/Rose2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2021 Bells Up Winery Prelude Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir Label" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_Lh6siWrD8xnTnGmGluPf_Hxk4qElV1SmhQ3HMz9ZdszejMlP4QWoZbazGrOpGZJAUdUUM7FRqCubsOQuIwMMCPwBFg-Q3SxXixmsGYgMVh4TAzgbyVMA43HBZXT3OlCSOIzCHzquTeK4IH1n3O4xjmweFO2z2I6IARzgb96bI_4crQ2E0UFPAhJdg/w300-h400/Rose2.jpg" title="2021 Bells Up Winery Prelude Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir Label" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>ABV: 12.9%<p></p><p>Chehalem Mountains, OR</p><p>Production: 101 Cases</p><p><b>Suggested retail price: $28.00</b></p><p><i>Drink The Bottles</i> score: 92/100</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Jeff Lawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055254576106051695noreply@blogger.comOPEN BY APPOINTMENT PLEASE, 27895 NE Bell Rd, Newberg, OR 97132, USA45.333673999999988 -122.9507517.023440163821142 -158.107 73.64390783617884 -87.7945tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5200209146762656968.post-55034763662551149102022-07-22T15:34:00.002-04:002022-07-22T15:36:36.704-04:002020 Penny's Hill Malpas Road McLaren Vale Merlot<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF617qtvk-zX4FcrX52P-bgxYtInz6o8B319AQXhusnGHZ-O0G9VNgmqd-EmxLOytktbjRsK2o3X90Ou3NHEKe_na0o4himaH6S71sGNbPdzjTo7TDgFkc6vGI9iLWNPVmk-t8az_WgMeqh1XTYIQanGBK8IJtQrzUT_4qADz0EcRTp_CKjz7RSh81eA/s560/Penny's%20Hill.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2020 Penny's Hill Malpas Road McLaren Vale Merlot" border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="350" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF617qtvk-zX4FcrX52P-bgxYtInz6o8B319AQXhusnGHZ-O0G9VNgmqd-EmxLOytktbjRsK2o3X90Ou3NHEKe_na0o4himaH6S71sGNbPdzjTo7TDgFkc6vGI9iLWNPVmk-t8az_WgMeqh1XTYIQanGBK8IJtQrzUT_4qADz0EcRTp_CKjz7RSh81eA/w250-h400/Penny's%20Hill.jpg" title="2020 Penny's Hill Malpas Road McLaren Vale Merlot" width="250" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Situated in McLaren Vale which
happens to be one of Australia's most exciting wine regions, here are things
you would want to know about the <b><a href="https://pennyshill.com.au/" target="_blank">Penny’s Hill Winery</a></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: #0e101a; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: white;">History</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Established in 1988, this
promising winery is named after the hill at the base of which it is located.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Considering this winery has all
the elements of a great vineyard in place, the vines were planted in 1991 at
the property in a unique narrow-row configuration to amplify vineyard
productivity along with grape and wine quality.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">In the year 1993, the
newly-planted Malpas Road property was purchased, followed by an adjacent
highly prized hay-producing paddock in 1996 that was planted to vines and named
Goss Corner.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">After wo years, the original Goss
family homestead, ‘Ingleburne’ was added to the Malpas and Goss properties to
reconnect to make it an entire holding.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: #0e101a; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: white;">Ownership & The Team</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Founder Tony Parkinson passed on
the ownership and management of the business to his good friend and fellow
South Australian winemaker Warren Randall.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">The team at Penny’s Hill is
committed to growing outstanding fruit across their vineyard sites to deliver
the finest wines possible. They reflect upon the site where the vines are
planted. They are passionate enough to make sure that optimum flavour, balance
and ripeness are present in the fruit during harvest time.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: #0e101a; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: white;">Winemaker at Penny’s Hill</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">A passionate and experienced
winemaker, Alexia is a group winemaker for </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://justwines.com.au/wineries/penny-s-hill-wines"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; mso-highlight: white;">Penny’s Hill</span></b></a><span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">, The Black Chook & Thomas Goss brands, and a champion
for the McLaren Vale wine region; in particular its Shiraz and Grenache
varietals.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">She has been in the winemaking in
McLaren Vale since 2004 and has undertaken vintages in both France and Italy.
Accountable for the production of many acclaimed wines, and no stranger to
medals, trophies, awards and accolades both domestic and international, she has
the ‘World’s Best Cabernet’ in 2016 for Penny’s Hill 2014 Edwards Road Cabernet
accredited to her name.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">She works closely with the
viticulturist to maximise fruit quality and vine health. Her style includes
crafting elegant, fruit-driven, single-vineyard estate-grown wines to best
express the varying terroir of the three key sites: Penny’s Hill, Goss Corner
and Malpas Road, with more company-owned vineyards now being used to source
more fruit.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: #0e101a; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: white;">Winemaking at Penny’s Hill</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">The winemaking process at Penny’s
Hill includes each fruit parcel harvested separately in small batches and
individually nurtured throughout. The proximity of the vineyards to the winery
ensures the selection and hand-picking of particular fruit parcels for a “small
batch” approach to winemaking, enabling more options at final blending.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">At each step of the winemaking
process, the wines are gently guided to bring out the ultimate balance of
texture, complexity and interest.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">The Malpas Road and Goss Corner vineyards
have black Bay of Biscay clay that helps produce wines that are rich and
luscious with a soft, round finish. However, the Penny’s Hill vineyard with
sandy loam over clay soil produces wines with a perfumed bouquet and a high
level of fruit intensity and fine tannin structure.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">The red wines at Penny’s Hill are
natured in the finest French oak barrels before blending. The presence of
optimum quality vineyards in the nearby Adelaide Hills allows the creation of
fresh, vibrant, balanced white wines of aromatic intensity and regional
expression.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: #0e101a; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: white;">Sustainable Winegrowing</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">A proud member of Sustainable
Winegrowing Australia, the Penny’s Hill winery contributes to the
sustainability program which minimizes environmental impacts and encourages
best viticulture practices.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Remember, it all begins in the
vineyard.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Now that you know how this winery
is going above and beyond to make the experience count for you, here’s a
recommended wine from them. Give it a shot.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><u>About the Wine</u></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;">This vibrant Merlot unfurls aromas of plum, dark cherry, black olive and tar, with nuances of chocolate. A medium-bodied wine with zingy minerality, light acidity and silk tannins leads to a smooth finish. This splendid red wine tastes great with food such as light meats, chicken or slightly spiced dark meats.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">ABV: 14.5%</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">McLaren Vale, Australia</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="text-align: left;">Article contributed by guest writer, Hugo Brown</i></p><br /><p></p>Jeff Lawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055254576106051695noreply@blogger.com281 Main Rd, McLaren Vale SA 5171, Australia-35.2461528 138.5509-63.556386636178843 103.39465000000001 -6.9359189638211518 173.70715tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5200209146762656968.post-63844868888486143352022-07-18T12:32:00.001-04:002022-07-18T12:32:11.306-04:002017 Patland Estate Vineyards Chardonnay<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jRs_5GrYVhoJvuHtt26le9uPzxEA7qOCuxorvhcrzAVeQbGSpyb09xAhJ_ZznFzsAccfUXe7UjiZEB3gRhYsmLZy0bLCJ3eCaGe9vVspUHA7weX1ERFfKA9o19tFNJ9VQOsk-d8BNOrY536GpPSlsO0Xh2uGbMJEy0yUClZsvzjkzmkz6jTttQfypg/s2016/Patland2017Chardonnay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2017 Patland Estate Vineyards Chardonnay" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jRs_5GrYVhoJvuHtt26le9uPzxEA7qOCuxorvhcrzAVeQbGSpyb09xAhJ_ZznFzsAccfUXe7UjiZEB3gRhYsmLZy0bLCJ3eCaGe9vVspUHA7weX1ERFfKA9o19tFNJ9VQOsk-d8BNOrY536GpPSlsO0Xh2uGbMJEy0yUClZsvzjkzmkz6jTttQfypg/w300-h400/Patland2017Chardonnay.jpg" title="2017 Patland Estate Vineyards Chardonnay" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br />We all know that Napa Valley is home to some of the most amazing full-bodied red wines in the world. But it would be a shame for wine lovers to overlook the throngs of high quality white wines that are also available from this region. When we first visited Napa in 2009, we found one of our favorite wines (a Chardonnay from a now defunct winery) and we have again found one of our favorite Chardonnay in this bottle. The <b><a href="https://www.patlandvineyards.com" target="_blank">2017 Patland Estate Vineyards Chardonnay</a></b> is a prime example of delicious and age-worthy Chardonnay that we feel is a "must have" wine for your portfolio. Much of the fruit in this offering is from the Stagecoach Vineyard (one of our favorite) and the wine is absolutely singing right now!<p></p><p>Vanilla, baking spices and pear on the nose with hints of lychee fruit. As always, we tasted this wine at room temperature and were introduced to flavors of homemade apple pie, toasted marshmallow and almost no oak. While we tend to lean towards more oak-framed wines, the fruit in this bottle is the star of the show and each sip is a dive into pure bliss. It's absolutely stunning. </p><p>Most people are used to paying $12 - $15 for grocery store Chardonnay. Do yourself a favor and try something outside of your comfort zone and budget. Try this exquisite Chardonnay from Patland Estate Vineyards and you can thank us later. We think you'll love this with grilled chicken and asparagus with a lemon cream reduction sauce or with sashimi. Enjoy!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwq9scE8Tafjnt0_I8ycbANcq4wPNDWC69-pvJNGSNnOcKVpOhM9MCMg3uMEoRo4ljpqk2DzL-vZtJbVRE6QqDEWQ9UFvLNmjFKLde63ylMnbjODmZ0oFCwYaudUYKZTzm7NFxiq6IsfEwlDVrvDE6gE1m5rtGGqWhyZczQrljtcNKzcb40jNrCSVqFQ/s2016/Patland2017Chardonnaylabel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2017 Patland Estate Vineyards Chardonnay label" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwq9scE8Tafjnt0_I8ycbANcq4wPNDWC69-pvJNGSNnOcKVpOhM9MCMg3uMEoRo4ljpqk2DzL-vZtJbVRE6QqDEWQ9UFvLNmjFKLde63ylMnbjODmZ0oFCwYaudUYKZTzm7NFxiq6IsfEwlDVrvDE6gE1m5rtGGqWhyZczQrljtcNKzcb40jNrCSVqFQ/w300-h400/Patland2017Chardonnaylabel.jpg" title="2017 Patland Estate Vineyards Chardonnay label" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>Did we mention that after the initial tasting....</p><p>We enjoyed this with some salted dark chocolate carmel popcorn from <b><a href="https://www.northernneckpopcornbag.com/" target="_blank">Northern Neck Popcorn Bag</a></b>? It was a WINNER!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGN1cMAThC6x6yzY6r5ewDmG6rQ9VeI2IaYCOm5_vIim0x9aWH6C9RW5aJa8rqqr_3V9I3z-nLDb1KamK29V_il6lRd3NZ14g7QA0iv4GvlIYMZ481FsvPmqjOtScr3eVEjH8OQ5sIYOln-_fds4oSlQ-tQHgl0FULq72i9oK4P2AWG93kv0smNUZgLg/s2016/PatlandChardonnayPopcorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chardonnay and Popcorn? Yes, please!" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGN1cMAThC6x6yzY6r5ewDmG6rQ9VeI2IaYCOm5_vIim0x9aWH6C9RW5aJa8rqqr_3V9I3z-nLDb1KamK29V_il6lRd3NZ14g7QA0iv4GvlIYMZ481FsvPmqjOtScr3eVEjH8OQ5sIYOln-_fds4oSlQ-tQHgl0FULq72i9oK4P2AWG93kv0smNUZgLg/w300-h400/PatlandChardonnayPopcorn.jpg" title="Chardonnay and Popcorn? Yes, please!" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>ABV: 14.4%<div><br /></div><div>Napa Valley, CA</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Suggested retail price: $60.00</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i>Drink The Bottles</i> score: 94/100<br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Jeff Lawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055254576106051695noreply@blogger.com2275 Soda Canyon Rd, Napa, CA 94558, USA38.3990083 -122.292745110.088774463821153 -157.4489951 66.709242136178844 -87.1364951tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5200209146762656968.post-90196125468340640532022-06-22T14:31:00.004-04:002022-06-22T14:36:14.430-04:002019 The Shepherd Sauvignon Blanc<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmi3Zxg8yFkjdMFvVfABIZImuYqkFdgWF3B8uXV0dLjrmS6A_ILZFw-Beo8RkhgHUQ91cm2RrJJ58IDdB1TXIqRdzp3MP2rm_ac4SX5PfPxIsy3f5dMpS4YB3YTfZtxkVBOJHRYIaPGAk0wYcFs38JCGPqRX5mBtJihbwTP3WYtDZTlvGGESGKSr1vg/s2016/The%20Shepherd%202019%20Sauvignon%20Blanc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2019 The Shepherd Sauvignon Blanc" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmi3Zxg8yFkjdMFvVfABIZImuYqkFdgWF3B8uXV0dLjrmS6A_ILZFw-Beo8RkhgHUQ91cm2RrJJ58IDdB1TXIqRdzp3MP2rm_ac4SX5PfPxIsy3f5dMpS4YB3YTfZtxkVBOJHRYIaPGAk0wYcFs38JCGPqRX5mBtJihbwTP3WYtDZTlvGGESGKSr1vg/w300-h400/The%20Shepherd%202019%20Sauvignon%20Blanc.jpg" title="2019 The Shepherd Sauvignon Blanc" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Hot days are made for cooler wines and Sauvignon Blanc almost always fits the bill. But when you have a Sauvignon Blanc like this one that is so pure, straightforward and extremely easy to enjoy, you know you have hit the jackpot. Don't mistake this as simple, because it isn't. It is just very well made and exactly how we enjoy SB. <b><a href="https://shepherdwines.com/" target="_blank">Shepherd Wines</a></b>, aka Truchard Vineyards, presents a fine California example of this wildly popular grape. Aromas of cooked pear, grapefruit and crisp linen resonate throughout the glass and intensify as the wine begins to warm. Delicious and crisp citrus flavors lead to a zippy and memorable medium acidic finish. Absolutely and easily a daily drinker!</p><p>ABV: 13.9%</p><p>Napa Valley, CA (Carneros Region)</p><p><b>Suggested retail price: $18.00</b></p><p><i>Drink The Bottles</i> score: 90/100</p><p><br /></p>Jeff Lawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055254576106051695noreply@blogger.com3234 Old Sonoma Rd, Napa, CA 94559, USA38.285684 -122.3231619.9754501638211579 -157.479411 66.595917836178842 -87.166911tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5200209146762656968.post-67233239236502168412022-05-27T14:34:00.001-04:002022-05-27T14:34:23.308-04:002019 Dawn's Dream Winery Frances Jane Chardonnay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0WkMAbiLGxfaQxgYQ7045M-R9B2a08Bg2ue_swTdpfBUqEZlFNL0xxW8yPDLXhQ82xSfFyUmpnOOItGtOawG3opx6LHgKrzSqDMs01PpnApf1N-e0TIlcz2MHmxjH96woL6VJSw5u-r5ar36QIl6yPZOpxPxOX5tE_kontPyU7VPyevP0hnOfuhnvA/s1846/2019%20Frances%20Jane%20Chardonnay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2019 Dawn's Dream Winery Frances Jane Chardonnay" border="0" data-original-height="1846" data-original-width="1473" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0WkMAbiLGxfaQxgYQ7045M-R9B2a08Bg2ue_swTdpfBUqEZlFNL0xxW8yPDLXhQ82xSfFyUmpnOOItGtOawG3opx6LHgKrzSqDMs01PpnApf1N-e0TIlcz2MHmxjH96woL6VJSw5u-r5ar36QIl6yPZOpxPxOX5tE_kontPyU7VPyevP0hnOfuhnvA/w319-h400/2019%20Frances%20Jane%20Chardonnay.jpg" title="2019 Dawn's Dream Winery Frances Jane Chardonnay" width="319" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">There's no question that a quality Chardonnay really pleases the palate and is one of the world's most diverse and celebrated white wines. We recently had the opportunity to taste this exciting wine and we <i>know</i> that you will love it. This is the <b><a href="https://www.dawnsdreamwinery.com/product/2019-Frances-Jane-Chardonnay" target="_blank">2019 Dawn's Dream Winery Frances Jane Chardonnay</a></b> and like most wines that we love, it has a back story. The Frances Jane name comes from Dawn's granddaughter and the fun label comes from the love that Frances Jane has for the four-legged fur babies. In fact, $5.00 of every bottle of this wine is donated to Peace of Mind Dog Rescue. We love this!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This wine is on the drier side but welcomes the palate with toasted ciabatta, lemon cream and crisp pear. It opens up the senses and warms the mouth with candied apples, hints of oak and bright acidity, leading to a lingering and satisfying finish. While we tasted this wine without food (like we do all of our wines), we think this selection would be a lovely accompaniment to hard breads, smoked Gouda and a variety of seafood selections. Delish!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvAzPkxjwvURhwqFY0eOgoHwDqWPyKzyLMwAKiO-U5U4qqn87UEmSM5vfzC-wzj79ynpSKIugtbya0S1MiOirKRmJuBGhK-8nNtln-0zC2o52hDkwDp3BSSXW85h5Z-sXLzx0n9WkMRmCKAow-1DhbRQWWFnGCX_Ak3gdYnNGgFbyJq0vqDhGFEKwmQ/s2016/2019%20Frances%20Jane%20Chardonnay%20label.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2019 Dawn's Dream Winery Frances Jane Chardonnay label" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvAzPkxjwvURhwqFY0eOgoHwDqWPyKzyLMwAKiO-U5U4qqn87UEmSM5vfzC-wzj79ynpSKIugtbya0S1MiOirKRmJuBGhK-8nNtln-0zC2o52hDkwDp3BSSXW85h5Z-sXLzx0n9WkMRmCKAow-1DhbRQWWFnGCX_Ak3gdYnNGgFbyJq0vqDhGFEKwmQ/w300-h400/2019%20Frances%20Jane%20Chardonnay%20label.jpg" title="2019 Dawn's Dream Winery Frances Jane Chardonnay label" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">ABV: 13.4%</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Monterey, CA</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Suggested retail price: $55.00</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Drink the Bottles</i> score: 93/100</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br />Jeff Lawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055254576106051695noreply@blogger.comSan Carlos St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA36.5538724 -121.92212738.2436385638211576 -157.0783773 64.864106236178856 -86.7658773tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5200209146762656968.post-49979048937963654002022-04-25T13:40:00.001-04:002022-04-25T13:40:04.261-04:002018 Hamel Family Wines Isthmus<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Qzx9RplMuUUXBijqh65Grln7nsx79CnEtf0kEgte3mIDGKQasZOsxkuNAa43VfgnS4pm29wGgIWphyaLLTsYcX2-W-aEWsWQZK4pIhkp85PwE2S7dmcHc5Ojutb5JMt4r6z5pG26QFnfnW9ieotC99dWUVBpTpRkBWVRRkLteCcgu6b5hhEz-lz3JQ/s2016/2018%20Isthmus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2018 Hamel Family Wines Isthmus" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Qzx9RplMuUUXBijqh65Grln7nsx79CnEtf0kEgte3mIDGKQasZOsxkuNAa43VfgnS4pm29wGgIWphyaLLTsYcX2-W-aEWsWQZK4pIhkp85PwE2S7dmcHc5Ojutb5JMt4r6z5pG26QFnfnW9ieotC99dWUVBpTpRkBWVRRkLteCcgu6b5hhEz-lz3JQ/w300-h400/2018%20Isthmus.jpg" title="2018 Hamel Family Wines Isthmus" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We were recently introduced to <b><a href="https://www.hamelfamilywines.com" target="_blank">Hamel Family Wines</a></b> and their 2018 Isthmus red blend. This wine is comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon (64%), Merlot (18%), Cabernet Franc (14%) and Petit Verdot (4%). This wine is very rich up front with dominant blackberry, plum and pomegranate fruits. Clove, grilling spices, river rock and ripe dark fruits blend to create a stunning and memorable wine that is approachable now and will also drink very well for the next 15+ years. Wonderful texture with the medium to heavier mouthfeel. We decanted this wine for about 90 minutes prior to tasting and that helped bring this selection to a compelling and delightful finish. Ruby red in the glass to the rim. While we don't often taste wines with food, we do think that this would be a delicious accompaniment to a bone-in ribeye steak.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTwXPowTFwU8pJwiTl8KT8i38FjX-oa2HZtwuxBRrRPhH8hJJ85gwFcTcnQdJjArBpUXQTBsrTAQpg_hJLSu16QWUsKlcsgNYdo8XAinmFX6KuXgxCw8mNm5zAJOaUrry3JvXgP5QqbsK8Zs08U7UR0hPtSpfmEcQLExY5q6tOkLScTHsYfI5mb3pHw/s2016/2018%20Isthmus%20close%20up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2018 Hamel Family Wines Isthmus label" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTwXPowTFwU8pJwiTl8KT8i38FjX-oa2HZtwuxBRrRPhH8hJJ85gwFcTcnQdJjArBpUXQTBsrTAQpg_hJLSu16QWUsKlcsgNYdo8XAinmFX6KuXgxCw8mNm5zAJOaUrry3JvXgP5QqbsK8Zs08U7UR0hPtSpfmEcQLExY5q6tOkLScTHsYfI5mb3pHw/w300-h400/2018%20Isthmus%20close%20up.jpg" title="2018 Hamel Family Wines Isthmus label" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>ABV: 14.5%<p></p><p>Sonoma Valley, CA</p><p>2,698 cases produced</p><p><b>Suggested retail price: $90.00</b></p><p><i>Drink The Bottles </i>score: 93+/100<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Jeff Lawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055254576106051695noreply@blogger.com15401 Sonoma Hwy, Sonoma, CA 95476, USA38.3456896 -122.494055510.035455763821155 -157.6503055 66.655923436178853 -87.3378055tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5200209146762656968.post-76885685505967597742022-04-12T12:28:00.000-04:002022-04-12T12:28:17.059-04:00Winery Spotlight: Trefethen Family Vineyards<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6Sobo5mN36--ryQmGMw33IDPynLqJ7TW0yu3MgpE_m3kAd9LoqsedZ35zsbqALT1HBq7elU_eTwMgZT606Zf2L8KKt7sLFmvPaFgbRNXssIUB1NyEZN6v73ypij2H9OhiLHONDRBqPqhSfu31EXWENqpbtjGN1RvVzn4V8rSr0FwnhOT_BQQv73Adg/s2016/tref2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Trefethen Family Vineyards" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6Sobo5mN36--ryQmGMw33IDPynLqJ7TW0yu3MgpE_m3kAd9LoqsedZ35zsbqALT1HBq7elU_eTwMgZT606Zf2L8KKt7sLFmvPaFgbRNXssIUB1NyEZN6v73ypij2H9OhiLHONDRBqPqhSfu31EXWENqpbtjGN1RvVzn4V8rSr0FwnhOT_BQQv73Adg/w300-h400/tref2.jpg" title="Trefethen Family Vineyards" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">In the heart of the Oak Knoll District in Napa Valley, California, sits a winery that is beautiful, welcoming and is also the home of incredible wines. <b><a href="https://www.trefethen.com" target="_blank">Trefethen Family Vineyards</a></b> is a third generation, family owned and sustainably farmed winery that has deep roots in Napa Valley. The best way to describe the founders, Katie and Gene Trefethen, would be as true pioneers of the area. Their touches are still evident daily at the winery by the Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve and the amazing gardens that are intertwined throughout the grounds of the estate.</div><br /><p></p><p>Second generation family members and co-founders Janet and John Trefethen created their own footprints in the wine world. John was the founding president of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers and later led the charge for the Napa Valley Vintners during the early critical years. For 25 years, Janet hosted the Napa Valley Cooking Class and became an ambassador not only for the winery, but also Napa Valley as she became a leader in establishing the now famous Oak Knoll District.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMN_hmklTRbH3pso3ulEDWvzoOF6erXFdcVa4V4PFg1SJ9j-E3xEPvLs7bVkkAJSsjqB7G7dHo4gtcLrR11HhOeR9_nDrUA02boyxfXhBMJOA2SkQfhbORulR0DyQN2vYw2ETueOnlDn1t57K0oayCfC0CfiQ5NRrv7N0uTR1RuoqNs8kHoy13RPVPsA/s2016/tref1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Entrance to Trefethen Family Vineyards" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMN_hmklTRbH3pso3ulEDWvzoOF6erXFdcVa4V4PFg1SJ9j-E3xEPvLs7bVkkAJSsjqB7G7dHo4gtcLrR11HhOeR9_nDrUA02boyxfXhBMJOA2SkQfhbORulR0DyQN2vYw2ETueOnlDn1t57K0oayCfC0CfiQ5NRrv7N0uTR1RuoqNs8kHoy13RPVPsA/w300-h400/tref1.jpg" title="Entrance to Trefethen Family Vineyards" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The entrance to Trefethn is impressive, awe-inspiring and welcoming. The long drive also has an interesting history behind it. We won't spoil the secret but there is a great story about this long drive, a pilot and a cowgirl that you have to hear from your winery tour guide!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4coN50mtm9JRYICUvgCnXF8g6uUY67Nj_XQqbjfsjxgrdld8OQRUXq1ZpahZxX4FkO75YSko4K3OvndDXnwiSEZker8YqU8_Lpls1JC_5KjmrtgFMyhQlB1E52ey4zJteZLw_ESZOffwSmRbfxrXvriULL5CkFQ49asOpwWo7DFgWF9VsqN7HJuBjBw/s2016/tref3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Trefethn Family Vineyards fountain" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4coN50mtm9JRYICUvgCnXF8g6uUY67Nj_XQqbjfsjxgrdld8OQRUXq1ZpahZxX4FkO75YSko4K3OvndDXnwiSEZker8YqU8_Lpls1JC_5KjmrtgFMyhQlB1E52ey4zJteZLw_ESZOffwSmRbfxrXvriULL5CkFQ49asOpwWo7DFgWF9VsqN7HJuBjBw/w300-h400/tref3.jpg" title="Trefethn Family Vineyards fountain" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Everywhere you look, you see manicured grounds, clean lines and beautiful gardens. You could spend the better part of a day walking around here and taking in all of the beauty.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU390qomGJf84XQERdgOrp_lE013DqXZPafeLZPKxdKXjtRDirgaH2ZqEusGX4agfTWIEA-seD3ytF0U2lUYTpvoNAkpCkVrgV85w28BIAy0BLhTs3Ob0VBYzkY3eJgsAi4ximpOCqxBr1UtgLQOqs8lDag-4lbhJj4FauFAI3BB_CHqnCOo3yw61dZw/s2016/tref4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Large tree at Trefethen Family Vineyards" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU390qomGJf84XQERdgOrp_lE013DqXZPafeLZPKxdKXjtRDirgaH2ZqEusGX4agfTWIEA-seD3ytF0U2lUYTpvoNAkpCkVrgV85w28BIAy0BLhTs3Ob0VBYzkY3eJgsAi4ximpOCqxBr1UtgLQOqs8lDag-4lbhJj4FauFAI3BB_CHqnCOo3yw61dZw/w300-h400/tref4.jpg" title="Large tree at Trefethen Family Vineyards" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Huge trees create a canopy in many areas of the Trefethen property, providing shade, a gorgeous setting and a natural nature preserve for Napa's smallest residents.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNV6gaj8alpYY_c1ESY8TyL2JdCBiKC9goP_sPw7eLNSc_Kd05txie-Y0utek42AL21LyTaK6O-tpV0JVdCorqP2FU0VTO_22hFqB7hlzKz3vZymks8IiJKMLGdB-rHjqGcHBJ8bNvimkeMUAPk3nrnw0A8V5-2ySQJl6ZuJ0H1rLQzLHroA5wgmszGg/s2016/tref5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tour guide at Trefethen Family Vineyards" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNV6gaj8alpYY_c1ESY8TyL2JdCBiKC9goP_sPw7eLNSc_Kd05txie-Y0utek42AL21LyTaK6O-tpV0JVdCorqP2FU0VTO_22hFqB7hlzKz3vZymks8IiJKMLGdB-rHjqGcHBJ8bNvimkeMUAPk3nrnw0A8V5-2ySQJl6ZuJ0H1rLQzLHroA5wgmszGg/w300-h400/tref5.jpg" title="Tour guide at Trefethen Family Vineyards" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Each winery ambassador is extremely knowledgeable about "all things Trefethen" and their passion is evident in the stories that they tell. You learn about the history, the family, the wines and the future of Trefethen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4sOEOtljqk_Ei4wwRKFeQn3lni56uuvPZxgGVyD9h4rqB8dH96tPC3lEzgSLO7s2BJjJJSgSESdtpE-cuPxMAQpuuEEgV_rtueUkLPiL_6KSc1MATZF0z9N_VrHz7lWgw3Q6nzXgD_q9SACIO8LRbWeXz3F3lSRVxV-rCTjCwoYmjmAhCnfs3aRq5CQ/s1897/tref6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Taste the Estate Menu" border="0" data-original-height="1897" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4sOEOtljqk_Ei4wwRKFeQn3lni56uuvPZxgGVyD9h4rqB8dH96tPC3lEzgSLO7s2BJjJJSgSESdtpE-cuPxMAQpuuEEgV_rtueUkLPiL_6KSc1MATZF0z9N_VrHz7lWgw3Q6nzXgD_q9SACIO8LRbWeXz3F3lSRVxV-rCTjCwoYmjmAhCnfs3aRq5CQ/w319-h400/tref6.jpg" title="Taste the Estate Menu" width="319" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Trefethen offers many tasting experiences. We were blessed to enjoy the "Taste the Estate" tasting on the porch of the old house. We tasted five unique and wonderful wines accompanied by delicious food.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2qnfvYhWlU8AD_W5I-QNRwEOJs4x839d32EMcAf0MgFR_LuGU_W_-7hCrhNQBW0W8P8xhWq0x_6D4Ql7FtKYOaqNTrj0yrm20xRJ6aIXhzynHZMybc--utL80EBTavs44Iu1-j9AIxr-RTlYrIZ2pvBUYgCWKCTsHMTAYhT8M8h52UxBgjr9tA1sMg/s2016/tref7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cucumber Poké paired with 2020 Dry Riesling" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2qnfvYhWlU8AD_W5I-QNRwEOJs4x839d32EMcAf0MgFR_LuGU_W_-7hCrhNQBW0W8P8xhWq0x_6D4Ql7FtKYOaqNTrj0yrm20xRJ6aIXhzynHZMybc--utL80EBTavs44Iu1-j9AIxr-RTlYrIZ2pvBUYgCWKCTsHMTAYhT8M8h52UxBgjr9tA1sMg/w300-h400/tref7.jpg" title="Cucumber Poké paired with 2020 Dry Riesling" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The foods that were served with our tasting featured estate-grown ingredients, which was as equally impressive as the wine. We stepped outside of our comfort level and despite any preconceived notions we may have had (we are not cucumber fans), we thoroughly enjoyed all of the food pairings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wvWk2SCUqnGU8U7yNIpVW3Ilxa8RwzuR1r_CXG87lLlZQmhqyvawh-U9eiADn9sMdMr2E4wRdjDFfE3ZrVNjC7FPqb9R00nnYmzoZ-PCAhHbwJ_EOQ055sgcAYx8T0cAu3x6DXviumTWE4WkcYs51RNUKq3TZaCb47QEqaKOFPLP91NPDmmeGkdYXQ/s2016/tref8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Trefethen Family Vineyards white wines" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wvWk2SCUqnGU8U7yNIpVW3Ilxa8RwzuR1r_CXG87lLlZQmhqyvawh-U9eiADn9sMdMr2E4wRdjDFfE3ZrVNjC7FPqb9R00nnYmzoZ-PCAhHbwJ_EOQ055sgcAYx8T0cAu3x6DXviumTWE4WkcYs51RNUKq3TZaCb47QEqaKOFPLP91NPDmmeGkdYXQ/w300-h400/tref8.jpg" title="Trefethen Family Vineyards white wines" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It's no secret that Napa Valley and red wines are synonymous. But don't discount the fact that you can enjoy breathtaking white wines as well! Pictured here are the 2020 Dry Riesling and the 2019 Katie's Acre Chardonnay. These wines were both over the top delicious!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1Fwe-39pWUa4mhqctvlYRAYDyU_WLpmgP7d2wmcX8HcnO8SdWIr7JNC_3loPoS4lfJy3Nyrschvo7DTVV5OA2c6aUMXRoVlkT5fS1vJYNxJ-39_epcCC7V-LPfeDH0jZuMyZq3DlZXL7tsRCl2GlMh6gXh19V88GM-NbwHLBpbePrljYi-OR6U_1nQ/s2016/tref9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chilled Summer Melon Soup" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1Fwe-39pWUa4mhqctvlYRAYDyU_WLpmgP7d2wmcX8HcnO8SdWIr7JNC_3loPoS4lfJy3Nyrschvo7DTVV5OA2c6aUMXRoVlkT5fS1vJYNxJ-39_epcCC7V-LPfeDH0jZuMyZq3DlZXL7tsRCl2GlMh6gXh19V88GM-NbwHLBpbePrljYi-OR6U_1nQ/w300-h400/tref9.jpg" title="Chilled Summer Melon Soup" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The Chilled Summer Melon Soup with tarragon goat cheese, sunflower and compressed melon introduced all of us to flavors that were unique and extremely pleasing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsZn-XcCqGGsR8vE8GsViA9L6PkSkLbXqNezmPfH5cdSI8c2qIAImrEp38y6mNU8e6oPL-A_5YDEhqB-WwCBxJradnDWD5Wlq7WmS9qmEB2mBrqP4UVOBIVlaiGfQDEY6r2H1kIkL1KSfb26sod1xLXlE8ZSbu1vIS0verlQ8fIN04VQ8i6f1-e4r9g/s2016/tref10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hen of the Wood Mushrooms" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsZn-XcCqGGsR8vE8GsViA9L6PkSkLbXqNezmPfH5cdSI8c2qIAImrEp38y6mNU8e6oPL-A_5YDEhqB-WwCBxJradnDWD5Wlq7WmS9qmEB2mBrqP4UVOBIVlaiGfQDEY6r2H1kIkL1KSfb26sod1xLXlE8ZSbu1vIS0verlQ8fIN04VQ8i6f1-e4r9g/w300-h400/tref10.jpg" title="Hen of the Wood Mushrooms" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Winery Chef Chris Kennedy and his team construct dishes that were absolutely mind blowing at times. The Hen of the Woods Mushrooms with roasted white corn cake and créme fraiche was one of the best dishes we have <i>ever tasted</i> in our lives! Chris is a culinary genius!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYt7rAP8uMG5ffGWGqV4xmyVfubhabDeSBKb4XOHq-8Tkqs9UZvKdRyD54Kr2ynhLkCIL_j8PdoPZdaBg9U49axut06UcB-ARZPSm9uQZA6iRYDCtWT-DgGtHfOfLdLYigXukuNXVsLVRBZOuEVXt3MYS-aGbVBpcTWTjQC-Uuae8Ys--E0dLiZ8Mlbg/s2016/tref11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Trefethen Family Vineyards Red Wines" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYt7rAP8uMG5ffGWGqV4xmyVfubhabDeSBKb4XOHq-8Tkqs9UZvKdRyD54Kr2ynhLkCIL_j8PdoPZdaBg9U49axut06UcB-ARZPSm9uQZA6iRYDCtWT-DgGtHfOfLdLYigXukuNXVsLVRBZOuEVXt3MYS-aGbVBpcTWTjQC-Uuae8Ys--E0dLiZ8Mlbg/w300-h400/tref11.jpg" title="Trefethen Family Vineyards Red Wines" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Pictured here are the three red wines from our "Taste the Estate" tasting. They were all fabulous and we bought them all to bring home!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><ul><li>2017 Cowgirl and the Pilot</li><li>2018 Dragon's Tooth</li><li>2017 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJBXWBzM2PEXdJVM_7nXWawSrRZbt3gxOVIjW-WKDkU2m1ljPGf_YPh8zN9eEiNViWtY1nxFKOugylpsbcrNWC9Glo9KpTcFHKF4TN1oT7NKo1uYsvBHB2tS_PhZxiSoin_sTx6yP_-T8pRhGlVXFpLECzo5opX_adG1IPuT-9-P5a0OBrH3uh0sevw/s2016/tref12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Winos Group at Trefethen Family Vineyards" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJBXWBzM2PEXdJVM_7nXWawSrRZbt3gxOVIjW-WKDkU2m1ljPGf_YPh8zN9eEiNViWtY1nxFKOugylpsbcrNWC9Glo9KpTcFHKF4TN1oT7NKo1uYsvBHB2tS_PhZxiSoin_sTx6yP_-T8pRhGlVXFpLECzo5opX_adG1IPuT-9-P5a0OBrH3uh0sevw/w300-h400/tref12.jpg" title="Winos Group at Trefethen Family Vineyards" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Wine tasting is fun. Wine tasting with friends is <i>more</i> fun! Wine tasting in an intimate setting creates memories that will last a lifetime.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJpWGkHzsZ2_O_eLyzz_hep418tUGO9tle6R4YvBxwR6eQAVI3CqKelC6GbsS7O-O2lkw16jeJcNYTfRyPFUElc1iPaxXrjmTuTo-LbPffzwzrcULUvdhEgJahzFZocxZ31ozcffBBP1Cbbps6JlDalPoa9CjrIzDGQ5WlEYo4m0ixQogBSMDWyV43w/s2016/tref13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The beautiful gardens at Trefethen" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJpWGkHzsZ2_O_eLyzz_hep418tUGO9tle6R4YvBxwR6eQAVI3CqKelC6GbsS7O-O2lkw16jeJcNYTfRyPFUElc1iPaxXrjmTuTo-LbPffzwzrcULUvdhEgJahzFZocxZ31ozcffBBP1Cbbps6JlDalPoa9CjrIzDGQ5WlEYo4m0ixQogBSMDWyV43w/w300-h400/tref13.jpg" title="The beautiful gardens at Trefethen" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">You could get lost in the gardens (on purpose, of course) across these sprawling grounds. These beauty of this place reminds visitor of Katie Trefethen's influence on what would become a magnificent winery and a favorite place to visit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Despite being one of the larger, family owned wineries in Napa Valley with about 500 acres currently planted, Trefethen makes you feel welcome and like an extension of their own family. The attention to detail, the kindness and the remarkable wines display the embodiment of the vision that was started decades ago. So what does the future look like for Trefethen? There is no doubt that the visionaries of Trefethen have helped them succeed for three generations. They are eco-friendly, sustainably farmed, and keenly aware of how nature helps them thrive. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Cover crops aid in decreasing carbon dioxide in the vineyards. Nesting boxes for predatory birds help control varmint population. Only the actual juice from the grapes leaves Trefethen's property. All other parts of the grape (stems, seeds, skins) are used to form a compost that is re-entered into the vineyard soil annually. Trefethen takes sustainability very seriously and they have been a role model for other wineries in both Napa Valley and around the world to learn from.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZtwkU2i-wnU5wTeUAgaPe5RzSrxbmlFKfAVLzw3BYWa605gvmEh4Rb2VPq-JG5J1E_T7SdkaNSvOyoz-uxci6Nta7KSFjxxtUuocFlHpNAbdWF1Y3QwWZ1lmlOag-OyFx9wxuUgBGXX7oRauJJ2jjcTMiIvRXAgmQyAYwgfpik2y7Xy8L6936ywzwA/s2016/tref16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Earth Day Joy Box" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZtwkU2i-wnU5wTeUAgaPe5RzSrxbmlFKfAVLzw3BYWa605gvmEh4Rb2VPq-JG5J1E_T7SdkaNSvOyoz-uxci6Nta7KSFjxxtUuocFlHpNAbdWF1Y3QwWZ1lmlOag-OyFx9wxuUgBGXX7oRauJJ2jjcTMiIvRXAgmQyAYwgfpik2y7Xy8L6936ywzwA/w300-h400/tref16.jpg" title="Earth Day Joy Box" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Recently, Trefethen released their very limited JOY BOX in honor of Earth Day. This box included their OKD Four wine blend, a cotton tea towel with water based ink, white flake salt and an olive pinch bowl. The Joy Box is a wonderful and special gift idea that any wine lover will enjoy. We strongly encourage you to sign up on Trefethen's web site to be notified when these boxes become available, as they sell out very quickly!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">If we could say how we feel about Trefethen Family Vineyards and the people behind the label, it would simply be expressed as "Visionaries with a love for wine, the environment and Napa Valley who create beauty through grapes, food and beautiful gardens". </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We strongly hope that you will consider connecting with Trefethen Family Vineyards during your next trip to Napa Valley. You will create memories and enjoy experiences that you will talk about for years!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Jeff Lawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055254576106051695noreply@blogger.com1160 Oak Knoll Ave, Napa, CA 94558, USA38.3559711 -122.323249610.045737263821152 -157.4794996 66.666204936178843 -87.1669996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5200209146762656968.post-33738408897216867652022-04-11T13:44:00.001-04:002022-04-11T13:44:12.889-04:002019 Patland Estate Vineyards Napa Valley Syrah<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ny7nLbgEqVYe_F7ecg1AUVCf3z_zmNUIamV0l_Yf2I8qDomob5rIOXhGeFN20cm0J6uCj8xcwsI0W67GC04py7XOu0ngSUemPi1FhPTMRALZxGAvpBtT-gHqzjBsTioI7rh4cbDRbgJJHJJfHNkI-0tlUzKDHhGgdloK7bmXo8IQLi-Nyvivpm3rkA/s2016/2019%20Patland%20Syrah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2019 Patland Estate Vineyards Napa Valley Syrah" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ny7nLbgEqVYe_F7ecg1AUVCf3z_zmNUIamV0l_Yf2I8qDomob5rIOXhGeFN20cm0J6uCj8xcwsI0W67GC04py7XOu0ngSUemPi1FhPTMRALZxGAvpBtT-gHqzjBsTioI7rh4cbDRbgJJHJJfHNkI-0tlUzKDHhGgdloK7bmXo8IQLi-Nyvivpm3rkA/w300-h400/2019%20Patland%20Syrah.jpg" title="2019 Patland Estate Vineyards Napa Valley Syrah" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Just released from Patland Estate Vineyards</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Just released! We are always excited to share wines from <b><a href="https://www.patlandvineyards.com" target="_blank">Patland Estate Vineyards</a></b>, as we have become really big fans over the past couple of years. Their Syrah has consistently provided consistent quality with anticipated deliciousness and the 2019 vintage is hanging right there with previous ones. Gorgeous, deep garnet color with dominating aromas of dark ripe plum, crushed blueberries and Portobello mushroom. With some additional time in the glass, cracked pepper, Asian spices and sweet smoke appear and combine together with damp earth for a memorable finish. This wine is a real treat and with only 110 cases produced, it is priced right. While it is very young now, it is starting to come into its own. We recommend holding back a bottle or 2 and enjoy this for the next 15-20 years without any second thought.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1U2d-o4_hqh-w3p0aiX93vWGVY7v8m4D3DdkYUlC1OM4TgLnQL9kpTmdGQHnEYFSHhYHUEHn7M5SzIc4k02vRyXo00osO2R2cBVAGJJtc2reUMeRTTEJIql0V4exdn_YD7Al8rJCuKPdzygL7bRS6TeVsVdDV-KNkwnUs3x5jAPr9tT5766JFVT_z7Q/s2016/2019%20Patland%20Syrah%20label.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2019 Patland Estate Vineyards Napa Valley Syrah label" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1U2d-o4_hqh-w3p0aiX93vWGVY7v8m4D3DdkYUlC1OM4TgLnQL9kpTmdGQHnEYFSHhYHUEHn7M5SzIc4k02vRyXo00osO2R2cBVAGJJtc2reUMeRTTEJIql0V4exdn_YD7Al8rJCuKPdzygL7bRS6TeVsVdDV-KNkwnUs3x5jAPr9tT5766JFVT_z7Q/w300-h400/2019%20Patland%20Syrah%20label.jpg" title="2019 Patland Estate Vineyards Napa Valley Syrah label" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Drink now or hold for even more enjoyment</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>ABV: 14.8%<p></p><p>Napa Valley, CA</p><p>110 cases produced</p><p><b>Suggested retail price: $85.00</b></p><p><i>Drink The Bottles </i>score: 91/100<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Jeff Lawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055254576106051695noreply@blogger.com2275 Soda Canyon Rd, Napa, CA 94558, USA38.3990083 -122.292745110.088774463821153 -157.4489951 66.709242136178844 -87.1364951tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5200209146762656968.post-35067036946691554872022-03-30T13:10:00.003-04:002022-03-30T13:28:48.541-04:00Winery Spotlight: Mollydooker<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6MjRuTVojx6IUSukHqY3S7jEenIrOohbqlgDgSAm1M1ch93NL7zpM-uIBeAiM6uN08lsU3hA1v6u_A4ITWQF8c91ct3CKIrwHAJrAJSCnVJTIhqmEg79_UNxOwKoPntfEknpjyVWjJwZGlxD3ueDWY-U2HtAoFsnbKl4SojEwXw_v0j5V3Ht1xfklg/s1200/MD%20logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mollydooker Wines: Aussie for Left Hander" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1200" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6MjRuTVojx6IUSukHqY3S7jEenIrOohbqlgDgSAm1M1ch93NL7zpM-uIBeAiM6uN08lsU3hA1v6u_A4ITWQF8c91ct3CKIrwHAJrAJSCnVJTIhqmEg79_UNxOwKoPntfEknpjyVWjJwZGlxD3ueDWY-U2HtAoFsnbKl4SojEwXw_v0j5V3Ht1xfklg/w400-h250/MD%20logo.jpg" title="Mollydooker Wines: Aussie for Left Hander" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">If you were to write a story that had its ups and downs, trials and tribulations and eventually an overwhelming and sustainable success, you would be reading about Mollydooker. In just over fifteen years under this label, Sarah Marquis, now sole owner and chief winemaker, has taken this brand from near bankruptcy to a wildly successful and philanthropic company. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We were first introduced to Mollydooker wines back in early 2011 when we, as fledgling wine writers, were reaching out to Australian brands, trying to expand our global wine knowledge base. Their US contact shipped us a few bottles and we were immediately hooked! How could such young wines be so flavorful and instantly drinkable? What about aging for years and year? What is this witchcraft that they are performing in Australia? We were baffled and excited at the same time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5-stJC6Xk5lUqslVyfiqqyyY0VxIcyLVL8tj7RhauEQRS308sWVW-OZHeXwX-qtbSuEZBCA5v1gY-S_oj0wY_wMJNONTZlHz2hJ0CvI1KyL7FnPG4ePvI3vWIG0a8pWncXvDXUj3xZ-UQkM0yJvk8VflsaUrLwxASTy2GjhI92tVMfEzdG0z19ZaEA/s800/Sarah%20Marquis.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sarah Marquis - Owner and Chief Winemaker at Mollydooker" border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="800" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5-stJC6Xk5lUqslVyfiqqyyY0VxIcyLVL8tj7RhauEQRS308sWVW-OZHeXwX-qtbSuEZBCA5v1gY-S_oj0wY_wMJNONTZlHz2hJ0CvI1KyL7FnPG4ePvI3vWIG0a8pWncXvDXUj3xZ-UQkM0yJvk8VflsaUrLwxASTy2GjhI92tVMfEzdG0z19ZaEA/w400-h274/Sarah%20Marquis.jpg" title="Sarah Marquis - Owner and Chief Winemaker at Mollydooker" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Sarah Marquis - Owner and Chief Winemaker at Mollydooker</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">In the fall of 2011, we had the opportunity to attend a Mollydooker wine dinner at an obscure, out-of-the-way restaurant in northern Indiana. Despite the 2.5 hour drive and getting lost along the way, we were over-the-moon for the opportunity to meet some of the MD team, learn more about their history and try some wine blending ourselves, all paired with delicious food. It was at this dinner where we really began to appreciate the hard work, struggles and determination behind the logo. If you ever have the opportunity to attend one of these events, don't think twice about it.! It's an amazing experience.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxptCtBlaA0tawpqm9MrAwLDfpOYYon1pTMjRP3NIx7Y6SkD9mBPbjerk2HM-XPXIunaD4ceqhRbHCK25do5cnE6JN60iRoK8vq62qqz000pBFui2jq8FpMaAaPRpZrxATvI3dLxRczIVJzOPMd4SFbkX89xB6wqHaagletXUR4OT1WJxfF3T_HsAUQ/s960/MD%20dinner%20glasses.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mollydooker Wine Dinner" border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="960" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxptCtBlaA0tawpqm9MrAwLDfpOYYon1pTMjRP3NIx7Y6SkD9mBPbjerk2HM-XPXIunaD4ceqhRbHCK25do5cnE6JN60iRoK8vq62qqz000pBFui2jq8FpMaAaPRpZrxATvI3dLxRczIVJzOPMd4SFbkX89xB6wqHaagletXUR4OT1WJxfF3T_HsAUQ/w400-h229/MD%20dinner%20glasses.jpg" title="Mollydooker Wine Dinner" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Wine upon wine upon wine at the Mollydooker dinner</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Part of the early success of Mollydooker was their uniquely developed and implemented <i>Marquis Vineyard Watering Programme</i>, which helped produced exceptionally flavorful grapes that would be used in the wines. Sarah herself created many of the early wine labels which included a tab that could be pulled off so you could take it to your local wine purveyor to request it or remember what you drank.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAVkpamtMmi53f06ZVSVQ_lBr2pwfry-EYIeKb_CXAwHkhfhvnp7H5qbF8IKunMftE48UtJmhHbKLXYwsn1LZ5AZd6JG72JhPVHRuyqWAyAmOveAwjumhgbj18HyMP-rpDuDQXM4Ddl5wCkUtM_fbamm5AwWU_xVg-RiPKwCAORQ5j6SsZ09PcYZW4w/s1681/MD%20label%20peel.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1681" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAVkpamtMmi53f06ZVSVQ_lBr2pwfry-EYIeKb_CXAwHkhfhvnp7H5qbF8IKunMftE48UtJmhHbKLXYwsn1LZ5AZd6JG72JhPVHRuyqWAyAmOveAwjumhgbj18HyMP-rpDuDQXM4Ddl5wCkUtM_fbamm5AwWU_xVg-RiPKwCAORQ5j6SsZ09PcYZW4w/w400-h253/MD%20label%20peel.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Early labels allowed you to peel a section off and take to your wine store</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zLrLp7O6x2CnuLJdCyeCiaNbrisW2nhzDCTeSP_ok0GtiynbNdD2JD6RqoRcTYN3K0m-RLZnBL9sMPHe1NtyC66SDvKxLPErKlA8v8EvRPrpxcXELzyvEZS-S6W0eYEsVrv7tbfUULsLmLbwgY-q-bavcPsIKIgLYCbPwxYwssv_LZD8rVuzxsLB1w/s820/MD%20wines.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mollydooker Wine Labels" border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="820" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zLrLp7O6x2CnuLJdCyeCiaNbrisW2nhzDCTeSP_ok0GtiynbNdD2JD6RqoRcTYN3K0m-RLZnBL9sMPHe1NtyC66SDvKxLPErKlA8v8EvRPrpxcXELzyvEZS-S6W0eYEsVrv7tbfUULsLmLbwgY-q-bavcPsIKIgLYCbPwxYwssv_LZD8rVuzxsLB1w/w400-h226/MD%20wines.png" title="Mollydooker Wine Labels" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>All of the Mollydooker wine labels are fun, festive and colorful</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">But not everything is an overnight success. The Marquis family found themselves in a situation that would make or break them - literally. They had just $17 left in the bank and no solid plan for the future. It was then that what could be dubbed as a series of divine intervention happened - a loan from a businessman, growers offering extended terms, temporary salary reductions and the determination to succeed. But it was June of 2006 that changed the world for Mollydooker. Robert Parker reviewed the first Mollydooker vintage and he brutally honest - and impressed! Because of Parker's notoriety and thoughts on the wines, the wine world agreed and went into a frenzy. The first Mollydooker vintage was sold out in just 19 days. Sarah and company were back to business, paying bills early and looking toward the future.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Of course, like any successful business, there are hiccups along the way. In 2011, a forklift crash destroyed over 460 cases of Mollydooker's flagship Shiraz, <i>Velvet Glove</i>, leaving only a literal handful of bottles available for the US wine market. At the time, <i>Velvet Glove</i> sold for $185 per bottle, making this a $1,000,000+ loss for the Australian winery. But again, the team pulled up their boot straps, got back to work and overcame this huge loss. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WX45GK-UINaH0hD_MSjaa4ViJ6TEGfrxvrWwB3TJ3ddxRmst1gEcB47g5Ja8K50LuT9Qb_ZsAR5OJlaGiV0M5_qCTMi55uBaDK5I2DRZVySsenFwlmbo2QMmAw4zbUwec_P84Nux1ZFVtzEvaz_YbkGh5Il7ujysf08QdPTn7cUgjp0PMW9-PsB0cQ/s780/Velvet%20Glove.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mollydooker Velvet Glove Shiraz: $1MM Loss" border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="780" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WX45GK-UINaH0hD_MSjaa4ViJ6TEGfrxvrWwB3TJ3ddxRmst1gEcB47g5Ja8K50LuT9Qb_ZsAR5OJlaGiV0M5_qCTMi55uBaDK5I2DRZVySsenFwlmbo2QMmAw4zbUwec_P84Nux1ZFVtzEvaz_YbkGh5Il7ujysf08QdPTn7cUgjp0PMW9-PsB0cQ/w400-h266/Velvet%20Glove.jpg" title="Mollydooker Velvet Glove Shiraz: $1MM Loss" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Wine, wine everywhere and not a drop to drink</i> Photo credit: The Times UK</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Fast forward to 2017. Sarah Marquis becomes the sole owner of Mollydooker Wines and also leads the way behind the scenes as head winemaker. Her son Luke, aka Blue Eyed Boy, has begun participating in the family business, often in front of wine fans as a face for the company. The wines continue to receive glowing accolades and have an ever-increasing global fan base. But it has never been "just about wines" to Sarah. She wholeheartedly believes in supporting organizations near and dear to her hear with the Mollydooker "Sip It Forward" program. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">In 2009, Mollydooker began a partnership with <b><a href="https://www.transformcambodia.com/" target="_blank">Transform Cambodia</a></b> that allowed them to open three education centers for children. 300 children participate in this program which allows them not only the ability to learn English, but also provides them with a healthy and safe haven.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCQ95wgooT5zgbdmcF7xMHGvdV3BF-x1t55bZ0ewkYwe9QeXXnnkYNVu0xA3pyYIOcqAqRTb5yvWnRca86pZSdBw9BIYs1e-TKFAAC1nTpM5OzdduEwwIrCRt7iKzj_-ju2jNRgbgXamP62FOqPTBmE1mVBYCLlGUApKyOGPQLVfBlUTYYNQEiQcOzg/s600/Transform%20Cambodia.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Transform Cambodia" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCQ95wgooT5zgbdmcF7xMHGvdV3BF-x1t55bZ0ewkYwe9QeXXnnkYNVu0xA3pyYIOcqAqRTb5yvWnRca86pZSdBw9BIYs1e-TKFAAC1nTpM5OzdduEwwIrCRt7iKzj_-ju2jNRgbgXamP62FOqPTBmE1mVBYCLlGUApKyOGPQLVfBlUTYYNQEiQcOzg/w400-h266/Transform%20Cambodia.jpg" title="Transform Cambodia" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Mollydooker supports Transform Cambodia</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://mercymultiplied.com/" target="_blank"><b>Mercy Multiplied</b></a> was founded in 1983 and is dedicated to supporting women and girls in abuse situations with free and safe residential programs. Mollydooker supports 20 women in this program annually. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Closer to home, Mollydooker is a proud sponsor of <b><a href="https://www.huttstcentre.org.au/" target="_blank">Hutt Street Centre</a></b>. This organization supports the homeless and vulnerable people of Adelaide by providing shelter, food, warmth and safety. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It is easy to see why we honored Sarah Marquis on International Women's Day in early March. We are completely blown away by her tenacity, business sense, talent and philanthropic endeavors. We hope, one day. to meet her at Mollydooker's Cellar Door in South Australia. But until then, we will continue to be ambassadors of the brand through our posts and we will continue to be Mollydooker fans!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">What does the future hold for Sarah Marquis and Mollydooker? We can't wait to find out!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8P2tjzIVhOK7z5006aQIHeA32JeuArO24aI_s3i5DjsWOJ4PA2W1XnYFq-QFW5hpqKMHmCN6zGSVYrKLzlLxSqLsi_aMU11wQ1LZzUpTMCd8_uwkx3_4jUzykW7U1vZ-O8qCZj79kiwVwl2jg_1j1TnKbWlbaZQ1U_uTuBS6oU00yx9Ost9OO2S99Q/s1200/Molly%20Van.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The MollyVan Wine Bar" border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8P2tjzIVhOK7z5006aQIHeA32JeuArO24aI_s3i5DjsWOJ4PA2W1XnYFq-QFW5hpqKMHmCN6zGSVYrKLzlLxSqLsi_aMU11wQ1LZzUpTMCd8_uwkx3_4jUzykW7U1vZ-O8qCZj79kiwVwl2jg_1j1TnKbWlbaZQ1U_uTuBS6oU00yx9Ost9OO2S99Q/w400-h225/Molly%20Van.jpg" title="Mollydooker's MollyVan Wine Bar" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Who wouldn't love to sip wine from the MollyVan wine bar?</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Cheers!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><u>Mollydooker Wine Accolades</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><ul><li>Five 99-point Wine Advocate scores from Robert Parker</li><li>Winestate's Number 1 Australian & New Zealand Wine of the Year</li><li>Wine Spectator Top 10 Wines of the World - three times!</li><li>Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of the World - eight times!</li><li>Business SA Regional Exporter of the Year 2017</li><li>Business SA Beer Wine and Spirits Exporter of the Year 2019</li><li>Australian Women in Wine Owner/Operator of the Year Award 2018</li><li>Telstra South Australian Business of the Year 2019</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><i><br /></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Jeff Lawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055254576106051695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5200209146762656968.post-49249131634563343292022-03-10T11:51:00.004-05:002022-03-10T11:51:47.002-05:002020 Fieldhouse 301 Red Wine<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh287Y-Sqj1ghFSU2qjojbDEu0dZcrwiA15r79XU3dVPvCBOOYhsAsD1l7FvLilSdNHSm6RFgjcs-K_KtNVTG4blRMTcY9mp7lu62aT2WJ-qN14UesEnjI4zwiPcHLPVpYJzcj5aLaRAAfS4ApqCnQIz-0XCoEXPcR-HQjQ5LPA6Urc3if9Vsxo_K2UtQ=s2016" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2020 Fieldhouse 301 Red Wine" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh287Y-Sqj1ghFSU2qjojbDEu0dZcrwiA15r79XU3dVPvCBOOYhsAsD1l7FvLilSdNHSm6RFgjcs-K_KtNVTG4blRMTcY9mp7lu62aT2WJ-qN14UesEnjI4zwiPcHLPVpYJzcj5aLaRAAfS4ApqCnQIz-0XCoEXPcR-HQjQ5LPA6Urc3if9Vsxo_K2UtQ=w300-h400" title="2020 Fieldhouse 301 Red Wine" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This was our first experience with the wines offered by <b><a href="https://scoutandcellar.com/product/20FieldhouseRedWine/" target="_blank">Scout & Cellar</a></b> of Texas. They seem to have a little bit of something for just about everyone, especially if you are budget-minded, as most of their offerings are in the $19 - $36 range. At those prices you can find a daily drinker, no doubt! This wine is the 2020 Fieldhouse 301 Red Wine (blend) from California. You would typically find Cabernet Sauvignon in a red blend, but this one is a combination of Zinfandel (48%), Merlot (23%), Petite Sirah (12%), Carignan (9%) and Barbera (8%). You don't find Carignan in too many California wines, even as a blending grape, so that was interesting to us. This wine had a great medium purple color with blackberry, coffee bean and menthol nose. With a lighter-to-medium mouthfeel, flavors of sweet blackberry preserves, roasted coffee beans, pepper and red licorice. This is not a sugar bomb (if we have given that impression) but it is on the sweeter side. The really cool things about this wine is that it is vegan, unfined and unfiltered. Scout & Cellar prides itself on offering wines that are more "hands off" and clean. We like that idea and we enjoyed this wine!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOyMrFCVy6KqZI5fnCl-mkXk1OmpHLblJnUcBnI0N4CGOO0gng9tLraArtgFoofVXQTODo3nhRHqazznVQaqnklk3zcHX5z5E4p01z3xB0ulkHWDHp5_YaHQt_ye3-yMM9CWKeVOb70qZkSQtDMna5VbwPcff7K06WEAi0eu_Ks1-BHG7CPEwV89XGEw=s2016" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2020 Fieldhouse 301 Red Wine Label" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOyMrFCVy6KqZI5fnCl-mkXk1OmpHLblJnUcBnI0N4CGOO0gng9tLraArtgFoofVXQTODo3nhRHqazznVQaqnklk3zcHX5z5E4p01z3xB0ulkHWDHp5_YaHQt_ye3-yMM9CWKeVOb70qZkSQtDMna5VbwPcff7K06WEAi0eu_Ks1-BHG7CPEwV89XGEw=w300-h400" title="2020 Fieldhouse 301 Red Wine Label" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">ABV: 13.9%</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">California</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Suggested retail price: $24.00</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Drink The Bottles</i> score: 87/100</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Jeff Lawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055254576106051695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5200209146762656968.post-32495731902901283622022-01-25T13:09:00.001-05:002022-01-25T13:09:05.619-05:002018 Enkidu Cabernet Sauvignon High Mayacamas<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgO6rHBi-MB_zeSAdLyOVrQvs50PcKP4AMw4MlRD19YfEBd7-Lgg5JgWIrLV3oTqYCeUDpUuF4M647tlFqZW9OJui9bFhounH1mO2R0QJMFsa1sCjU0MCR3FNFzu1_WYNvdSEl6r22oIsYq-nKd9IlT9RJDrNPjwoX7qVk3amN2Hjmb5Wcp6ublxs5L8A=s2016" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2018 Enkidu Cabernet Sauvignon High Mayacamas" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgO6rHBi-MB_zeSAdLyOVrQvs50PcKP4AMw4MlRD19YfEBd7-Lgg5JgWIrLV3oTqYCeUDpUuF4M647tlFqZW9OJui9bFhounH1mO2R0QJMFsa1sCjU0MCR3FNFzu1_WYNvdSEl6r22oIsYq-nKd9IlT9RJDrNPjwoX7qVk3amN2Hjmb5Wcp6ublxs5L8A=w300-h400" title="2018 Enkidu Cabernet Sauvignon High Mayacamas" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Rich in texture and flavor with mouth-coating dark fruits, graphite, damp earth and oak. That's what we discovered in this <b><a href="https://www.enkiduwine.com" target="_blank">2018 Enkidu Cabernet Sauvignon High Mayacamas</a></b> wine. Powerful fruit abounds from first sip to last with petite and polished tannin lead to a scrumptious finish. These grapes come rom Cabernet Sauvignon from three distinct areas - Sonoma County (63%), Napa County (25%) and Lake County (12%) and four separate vineyards. This wine is very classic Cab but has a lighter feel on the back end. It's quite remarkable and the price won't offend you at all! This is our second sample from Enkidu and the quality and consistency has been spot on. Drink now and for the next 10+ years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTZNoeko9a0bDxxxqQz4H4tmomhb68UcDNDezt_Fij31EGmW8L6PUW58Ojszy873wRxWnNSbD2refrlIK9QOc34Rat-SYSqrt7jJ8lTr4pXV3j6GkcDByeCiNMQtuLE-aqUaCsGAN66goMCkdFA2yY_xkcF9_8_vtSegPqQVa8b75RrBIYRlubb7AX7A=s2016" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2018 Enkidu Cabernet Sauvignon High Mayacamas Label" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTZNoeko9a0bDxxxqQz4H4tmomhb68UcDNDezt_Fij31EGmW8L6PUW58Ojszy873wRxWnNSbD2refrlIK9QOc34Rat-SYSqrt7jJ8lTr4pXV3j6GkcDByeCiNMQtuLE-aqUaCsGAN66goMCkdFA2yY_xkcF9_8_vtSegPqQVa8b75RrBIYRlubb7AX7A=w300-h400" title="2018 Enkidu Cabernet Sauvignon High Mayacamas Label" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div>ABV: 14.6%<p></p><p>Sonoma, CA</p><p><b>Suggested retail price: $45.00</b></p><p><i>Drink The Bottles</i> score: 92/100</p><p> </p>Jeff Lawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055254576106051695noreply@blogger.com22985 Burndale Rd Bldg A, Sonoma, CA 95476, USA38.2452907 -122.422095838.2452907 -122.4220958 38.2452907 -122.4220958tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5200209146762656968.post-30643949323817028072022-01-21T14:41:00.003-05:002022-01-21T14:41:41.510-05:002018 Davis Bynum Russian River Valley Pinot Noir<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDEPSlNo4W0ziUY_YV1uNMSUcjF_xlX3aiPbhJkZi_cOHwf_MqEHL70KUzcp-Je261sAh-48iAmGGzrMrQQmIL3F1AoGVcVVwuMdVdsqeuqmqc7rfgmBclWfqPvRGY7n43-hP7dakcuoL06UYA-KBuNUlxfhsvaU6XrCMhw1s0V_oJ9zWdwIm6yvliEw=s1858" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2018 Davis Bynum Russian River Valley Pinot Noir" border="0" data-original-height="1858" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDEPSlNo4W0ziUY_YV1uNMSUcjF_xlX3aiPbhJkZi_cOHwf_MqEHL70KUzcp-Je261sAh-48iAmGGzrMrQQmIL3F1AoGVcVVwuMdVdsqeuqmqc7rfgmBclWfqPvRGY7n43-hP7dakcuoL06UYA-KBuNUlxfhsvaU6XrCMhw1s0V_oJ9zWdwIm6yvliEw=w325-h400" title="2018 Davis Bynum Russian River Valley Pinot Noir" width="325" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The 2018 Davis Bynum Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is an absolutely lovely and fragrant wine. The color is absolutely stunning and the aromas of fresh strawberry field, tea and oak draw you in immediately. In the mouth you are quickly greeted by fresh and juicy strawberries, damp earth joined with silky tannin. This wine could easily be an everyday drinker for the Pinot Noir fanatic. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3Cx5H1n8KGOJqSXRlTgPLVsHSvVDEQzbjw6rXT7GL8c7ZJ90BMOlwcMD5cP459Wk5sTMpvG55oiAMs4bWp_9H7MomkUm2IdEvXGw4CGRLpZwYAB96_p12XViqVY0lCl97jK8ttCr0BJhmdCZQjZcQYG2fgJdO93NqV1Ihs4V3VeVq1A8XivHioUYL5A=s1537" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2018 Davis Bynum Russian River Valley Pinot Noir in glass" border="0" data-original-height="1537" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3Cx5H1n8KGOJqSXRlTgPLVsHSvVDEQzbjw6rXT7GL8c7ZJ90BMOlwcMD5cP459Wk5sTMpvG55oiAMs4bWp_9H7MomkUm2IdEvXGw4CGRLpZwYAB96_p12XViqVY0lCl97jK8ttCr0BJhmdCZQjZcQYG2fgJdO93NqV1Ihs4V3VeVq1A8XivHioUYL5A=w315-h320" title="2018 Davis Bynum Russian River Valley Pinot Noir in glass" width="315" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">ABV: 14.5% </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sonoma County, CA</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Suggested retail price: $25.00</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Drink The Bottles</i> score: 89/100</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Jeff Lawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055254576106051695noreply@blogger.com11455 Old Redwood Hwy, Healdsburg, CA 95448, USA38.5734461 -122.843953110.263212263821153 -158.0002031 66.883679936178851 -87.6877031tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5200209146762656968.post-24359622429453378002022-01-12T14:40:00.002-05:002022-01-12T14:40:28.444-05:002016 Laurel Glen Counterpoint Cabernet Sauvignon<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLYJiQHmReT8vOnV2ZftY99Hzdt4_gKyave081M3NiX4YxwFyKooOUBbI0ovPrwdg1GeqMxaZFUwNk0cLiJEERUDhBObtc5P7sQD81H4EYgdos7G6G6kO1su4DPUyezatzDMkPFQeFKmHXnrfERNJXwBxSht_wT3kQjyJEeXFBLvG_wa47KARCjTshmQ=s960" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2016 Laurel Glen Counterpoint Cabernet Sauvignon" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="273" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLYJiQHmReT8vOnV2ZftY99Hzdt4_gKyave081M3NiX4YxwFyKooOUBbI0ovPrwdg1GeqMxaZFUwNk0cLiJEERUDhBObtc5P7sQD81H4EYgdos7G6G6kO1su4DPUyezatzDMkPFQeFKmHXnrfERNJXwBxSht_wT3kQjyJEeXFBLvG_wa47KARCjTshmQ=w114-h400" title="2016 Laurel Glen Counterpoint Cabernet Sauvignon" width="114" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">2016 was generally a very good year for California Cabernet Sauvignon. By far, the growing season was steady and uneventful, allowing grapes to help produce solid wines. This <b><a href="https://www.laurelglen.com" target="_blank">2016 Laurel Glen Counterpoint Cabernet Sauvignon</a></b> from Sonoma Mountain is 100% Cabernet (yay!) and one that is extremely fairly priced. We won't say "value priced" wine as that tends to actually devalue a brand. We are going to call this wine an incredible deal. Juicy blackberry, plum camp fire and cigar box on the nose with, at times, hints of dried spring flowers. A dark, robust wine with flavors of black fruits, cherry tobacco, allspice and earthiness. The wine really pulls you in immediately and leaves a solid finish on the palate. This is the first Counterpoint that we have tasted and these 50+ year old vines are really strutting their stuff. Excellent choice! Drink now or for the next 10 years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQI9K-fAlDJoKDElt0IxlVQMpbcdY-PjfIkY_Bty2KOv4cJftE-YJY88e2_aRftc_3e76iQdNo5_VuecQtaIsxGODjWTpKW1ePxR3Ew2XIQt-1g9uKj0LlrniKAlJUCDgBItF8-DGuhVEBw9_dUzFJdKCPx0l2gGTOzlWNtuMAx-nx4gFc9HlgzP41eQ=s620" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2016 Laurel Glen Counterpoint Cabernet Sauvignon label" border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="465" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQI9K-fAlDJoKDElt0IxlVQMpbcdY-PjfIkY_Bty2KOv4cJftE-YJY88e2_aRftc_3e76iQdNo5_VuecQtaIsxGODjWTpKW1ePxR3Ew2XIQt-1g9uKj0LlrniKAlJUCDgBItF8-DGuhVEBw9_dUzFJdKCPx0l2gGTOzlWNtuMAx-nx4gFc9HlgzP41eQ=w300-h400" title="2016 Laurel Glen Counterpoint Cabernet Sauvignon label" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">ABV: 14.6%</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Sonoma Mountain, CA</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>Suggested retail price: $50.00</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>Drink The Bottles</i> score: 93/100</div><br /><p></p>Jeff Lawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055254576106051695noreply@blogger.com13750 Arnold Dr Suite #9, Glen Ellen, CA 95442, USA38.3624544 -122.526102210.052220563821152 -157.6823522 66.672688236178843 -87.3698522