Other Half Brewing Co.
Clos du Val Wine Co.
Napa Valley Zinfandel 1981
A continuation of some 1981’s that I’ve been opening to celebrate my 40th and this might be one of the biggest revelations yet. Over the last 20 years of my education, I’ve had the honor of being humbled countless times by wines, both good and not so good. However, every now and again, a wine comes along that challenges basic conventions and broadens my perspective. This was such a wine. Popped and poured; served alongside an assortment of grilled fare. The cork was about as healthy I’ve seen from a wine at 40 years. It came out mostly intact save for a small piece that was easy to remove but it served as a reminder that I ought to spend the money on a Durand. The color is deep garnet with some ever so slight browning at the edge of the rim. There is some fine sediment towards the bottom of the bottle but it’s otherwise quite clear. The nose was immediately engaging and full of interest. Predominate notes of old leather, dark cherry, mushrooms, black pepper, tobacco, and sweet baking spices. On the palate, the wine was rich, redolent. A mix of dark, mostly desiccated fruit, pipe tobacco, and baking spices. The real star however was the structure. Everything was still in its right place. Tannins were noticeable though clearly softened with age and very well integrated at this point. The acid provided all the necessary lift and a perfect zip to the finish. A wine of supreme balance. The four of us who shared this bottle looked at each other in wonder and amazement. A truly special wine that has years of life ahead. I have little doubt that it will still be handsome at 50. — 4 years ago
Palmer & Co
Rosé Solera Champagne Blend
As a lover of Solera/perpetual reserve wines, this intrigued me…as far as I know, this is the first Solera champagne I’ve had where the perpetual reserve is coming from the red wine (Pinot noir), not the base wine.
50 chard/ 35 Pinot noir/ 15 Pinot meunièr; 7g/l dosage
Faint copper hue in the glass (not a deep vinous style rosé). Initial reaction is this reminds me a bit of Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Rosé (which I love), but just a touch less layered. Very “big-house” in style. Plenty of toasted croissant, strawberries, and even some sweet spices. More red fruit on the palate but there’s also some apricot. With air, oxidized apple type notes show. The finish has a strawberry shortbread vibe alongside a classical mineral/chalk profile. I’m sure this would still be tasty if you cut the dosage in half, but it works for this wine (and the texture/broad feel on the palate from the dosage show nicely). — 4 months ago
Other Half Brewing Co.
Go With The Flow Double Dry Hopped India Pale Ale
Slip & slide — 4 years ago
Domaine Gourt de Mautens (Jérôme Bressy)
Vaucluse Red Rhone Blend 2015
Phenomenal wine from Vaucluse’s best winemaker. Half Grenache blended with a potpourri of other Southern Rhone varietals. Reminiscent of Beaucastel, but more powerful. Big, bold wine that dances on the tongue and evolves over the course of the evening. Highly concentrated and complex with layer upon layer of kirsch, blackberry, garrigue, spice, and white stone. On the palate, you can even detect some hints of dark chocolate. The wine is extremely good now, but I’d suggest cellaring for a decade to bring out all the layers. 2015 vintage on Oct 13, 2019 — 6 years ago
Quinta Monasterio
Valle de Guadalupe Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2018
Half of each varietal is aged 12 months in French oak and the other half in American oak - very interesting. Rich and delicious!!! 🇲🇽 — 4 years ago
The Other Wine Co.
Tasmania Pinot Noir 2019
Cannot get enough of this wine.
Unfortunately stock is already depleted.
Good things come in small volume.
A great wine with supreme pedigree. — 4 years ago
Jody Scharf
man this aged really nice, blackberry, plum, other dark fruits, not much acid but still lingers on the palate! — 4 months ago