Drink the Bottles

  Bill and Kathy Collins were among the early pioneers of Napa Valley, determined to tell the world that Napa Valley was a fine wine growing region.  Conn Creek Winery was born about fifty years ago, and they have consistently produced delicious and high quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-styled wines.  Winemaker Jean Hoefliger's colorful past and experience helps him shape the future of the winery with expertise while paying homage to the famous Rutherford American Viticultural Area. 2020 was an exceptionally difficult year for Napa Valley and California wines.  A domino effect of a global pandemic, two major wildfires, smoke taint and overall low yields left scars (literally and figuratively) in the most famous wine growing regions of the United States.  Cabernet offerings plummetted by as much as 35% compared to the previous year and several producers simply did not release a 2020 vintage. Luckily, the  2020 Conn Creek Rutherford Napa Valley Cabnere...

  Whether you have heard of Spring Mountain Vineyard or not, it's a magical place with a storied history and a bright future.  With over 150 years of adventures under their care, this winery actually placed fourth in the "Judgement of Paris" international wine competition in 1976.  It's not too often that we get to taste a wine that has been bottled for over a decade, so we are honored to bring this gift to you today. We should start by stating that Spring Mountain Vineyard has one of the most extensive wine libraries not only in Saint Helena, but all of Napa Valley.  They have several tasting experiences available including wines from the last three decades.  This is a unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience for the oenophile who has "done it all".   The 2013 Spring Mountain Vineyard Elivette Napa Valley Red Wine features estate fruit and is comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon (57%), Cabernet Franc (17%), Merlot (10%), Petit Verdot (8%), and Malbec ...

To say we were excited to try the elusive Cabneret Sauvignon from Meteor Vineyard would be a serious understatement.  We have heard about this small but mighty producer for many years, but to be quite frank, it's hard to find this wine!  Barry and Tracy Schuler purchased the Coombville property in 1998, recognizing that the lush volcanic soil and elevation was absolutely perfect to grow 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.  Of course, 100% Cab always has a big place in our hearts! The 2019 Meteor Vineyard Preseid Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is a big, bold, expressive wine and everything you want and need from a Napa Valley Cab.  Juicy ripe blackberries, cassis and black plum on the nose against a gorgeous deep garnet color.  Blackberry cobbler, graphite, mocha and vanilla on the palate with a pleasant and lingering oaky finish.  This is wine is (insert bad word here) incredible!  This will age easily for the next decade and beyond.   ABV:  ...

The 2022 Etude Carneros Chardonnay Grace Benoist Ranch celebrates forty years of Etude Wines .  Since 1982, the winery has been producing lovely, approachable and memorasble wines.  The Grace Benoist Ranch was developed in 2000 and inludes seven Chardonnay clones, which make up this wine. Pale golden in the glass with rising apple crisp and honeycomb aromas up front.  Wet stone, lemon zest and a creamy, full mouth feel create a tasting experience that is not only solid, but quite pleasant.  There's almost an iced lemon loaf familiarity with this on the back end.  This is a very solid bottle and one that could be enjoyed now or easily for 3-5 more years. ABV:  13.6% Carneros AVA (Napa Valley) Winery:  Etude Wines Suggested retail price:  $40.00 Drink The Bottles score:  92/100  

  Hold on to your hats because we have a lot to unbox here!  We received these bottles just a couple of days ago and we pushed them to the top of the list because we were so &$%#ing excited to taste them!  Today we're going to discuss all things Silverthorn Reserve, including tasting and sharing our thoughts on these two bottles.  But before we share that, we want to introduce you to the brand and the man behind the label! If the name Drew Thorn resonates with you, it's because Drew was a driving force behind the immensely popular and wildly successful Sagamore Spirit brand for many years.  Drew learned so much about the business, operations, transparency, quality and what customers want during his tenure at Sagamore.  But how will that carry over into this new project? DTB:  What was the moment you knew you wanted to build Silverthorn Reserve after leaving Sagamore Spirit? DT:  I had conceived of Silverthorn Reserve many yearsago, but it had ...

Evan Williams® Expands Award-Winning Flavors Lineup with New Evan Williams Blackberry Smooth bourbon meets ripe blackberry flavor in a fresh new nationwide release LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 12, 2026)  — Evan Williams®, the #1 American-owned Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, is bringing the flavor with the launch of Evan Williams Blackberry, a bold new flavor extension joining the brand’s award-winning lineup of flavored whiskeys. Arriving in stores across the U.S. beginning in March, Evan Williams Blackberry delivers a fresh pick for consumers looking to enjoy bourbon in new and flavorful ways. Combining Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon with ripe blackberry flavor, Evan Williams Blackberry offers a bold yet balanced taste that’s smooth, approachable, and versatile. Bottled at 65 proof (32.5% Alc./Vol.), the new expression layers juicy fruit notes with subtle caramel and a rounded bourbon finish making it easy to enjoy however the moment calls for it. “When you need a fresh pic...

Lux Row Distillers introduces Lux Row Estate Bourbon Made with corn grown onsite, the latest Lux Row variant is now available at the distillery ST. LOUIS (March 11, 2026) – A field of dreams has come to fruition. Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers is introducing Lux Row Estate Bourbon – a 5-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey made with #2 yellow corn that was grown onsite at Lux Row. Offered at 107 proof (53.5% ABV), Lux Row Estate Bourbon is now available exclusively at Lux Row Distillers at a minimum suggested retail price of $99.99 per 750mL bottle. The idea for a homegrown bourbon came from Lux Row Distillers Master Distiller John Rempe, who worked with his team to identify and plant the perfect variant of corn in an 11-acre field where rickhouses 6, 7, 8 and 9 now stand. After harvest, Rempe carefully crafted the Estate recipe using a mash bill of 78% homegrown corn, 12% malted barley and 10% rye. “Estate has been a true labor of love – from field to bottle – and...