Phil’s Top Picks for Winter:
-Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)
-Mas de Gourgonnier Red (France)
-Espolon Bourbon Barrel Finished Anejo (Mexico)
*Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc: Hailing from the well renowned province of Malborough, this delicious and vibrant white wine is crisp, clean and has an abundance of fruit while still maintaining a dry finish. Not your typical Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, the Astrolabe is medium bodied with notes of peach, gooseberry and just a hint of citrus. Pairs well with seafood, poultry, and lighter vegetarian fare.
*Mas de Gourgonnier Red: This unfiltered Provençal red consists of Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Carignan. This Rhone style of blending creates a soft and smooth wine with subtle tannins and hints of black currant, white pepper and a silky finish. Pairs well with a multitude of dishes such as fish, pork, salads and softer cheeses.
*Espolon Bourbon Barrel Finished Anejo: The best of both worlds! Aged in white oak for 12 months, then finished for 2-3 months in heavily charred American Bourbon barrels, this tequila is definitely a winner. Smooth, smoky, with just a subtle hint of sweetness, this complex spirit is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Enjoy neat, on the rocks, or liven up a classic tequila cocktail. No matter how you have it, you will not be disappointed.
Edwin's Top Picks for Winter:
-Recchia Le Muraie Valpolicella Ripasso (Italy)
-Primer Motivo Verdejo (Spain)
-Russel's Reserve Bourbon 10yr (Kentucky)
*Recchia Le Muraie Valpolicella Ripasso: This Valpolicella is comprised of Corvina Veronese, Corvinone, Rondinella, Oseleta, Merlot and Croatina. It is a robust and delicious red packed with an intense bouquet of dark fruit and spice. It gets refermented (hence Ripasso) using the lees of Recioto which is sweet in nature, however, the maturation process produces a full bodied, fragrant, dry, and well balanced red with a smooth, silky finish. Pairs well with red meats, stews and other heartier dishes.
*Primer Motivo Verdejo: From Rueda, this vivacious white is often compared to a really good Sauvignon Blanc. With a fuller mouth-feel, the Neo Primer Motivo Verdejo is dry but has a nice balance of fruit and minerality. There are notes of pear and apples with just a subtle hint of melon. Well rounded and fresh. Pairs well with fruit salad, calamari, white hearty sauces, and creamier cheeses.
*Russel’s Reserve Bourbon 10yr: Earning 95 Points in the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, this small batch Kentucky spirit aims to please. Aged in heavily charred virgin American oak barrels, this smoky yet sweet bourbon is intense with hints of spice, vanilla and honey and a smooth, lasting finish. Sip slowly neat or enjoy in your favorite whiskey based cocktail.
Jay's Top Picks for Winter:
-La Chiara Gavi di Gavi (Italy)
-Care Tinto Joven (Spain)
-Half Moon Orchard Gin (New York)
*La Chiara Gavi di Gavi: Hailing from the Piedmont region of Italy, this white wine is bright and crisp with a nice balance of acidity and fruitiness. There is a slight nutty characteristic that can be sensed on the palate. Overall, a very vivacious and clean wine, with a semi-dry finish. Pairs well with seafood, light poultry dishes, and salads.
*Care Tinto Joven: From the Cariñena region of Spain, this red blend consists of Garnacha and Syrah. It has notes of cherries and blackberries with just a hint of licorice. It is a fruity wine with very soft, subtle tannins and a smooth but intense finish. A great wine for a great value.
*Half Moon Orchard Gin: This Upstate New York gin is brought to you by Tuthilltown Spirits. It is made using NY grown wheat and apples distilled with 8 different botanicals. Well balanced by the essence of dried apple and orange with an abundance of juniper and cardamom, this gin is really enjoyable. At 92 proof, it can stand up to any cocktail. Do a classic gin & tonic, tom collins or, feel free to get inspired and enjoy this fine spirit in your own cocktail creation!
Staff Picks of the Season
