2011 Frei Brothers “Reserve” Pinot Noir

David Honig
Wine Reviews
1 min read
Cherry stones, vanilla, and cola show on the nose. The palate leads with black cherry and strawberry, with a tart raspberry twist. Some vanilla comes through on the mid-palate. The finish favors the tart over the sweet. Mouth-feel is soft, tannins mild. Drink with bacon-wrapped pork medallions. Recommended. 87 points.

Frapin “Extra” Grand Champagne Cognac

David Honig
Wine Reviews
1 min read
This floral delight is made entirely from Frapin's Grande Champagne vineyard, from a blend of 40-50 year old reserves. White flowers and loads of caramel waft up from the glass. Opening with caramel, vanilla, coffee, and a touch of heat, it explodes on the palate with a remarkable blend of

Los Amantes Joven Mescal

David Honig
Wine Reviews
1 min read
Smoke, white flowers, and sweet cucumber show on a very delicate nose. The same flavors show on the palate, with spanish orange peel, candied lemon peel, and black pepper. The agave shines through, sweet and clean, with an undercurrent of smoke. This is shockingly smooth, bite-free, a pure sipping Mezcal

Wine in Argentina : a Study in Contrasts

Remy Charest
Features
8 min read
Argentina is a place full of contrasts – if not contradiction. It is the wealth and bustle of Buenos Aires and the quiet, ramshackle villages of the interior. It is the vast desert plains of Mendoza, set in front of the majestic wall of the Andes mountains, a combination that

Angel’s Envy Rye Whiskey

Becky Sue Epstein
Wine Reviews
1 min read
The smooth scent of this whiskey is not an indicator of the finish – when sipped neat.  First there’s a pleasant molasses/sorghum aroma.  Flavors are very woody and bright – even a bit too bright, turning into a burn in the finish. Very attacky tannins on the tongue.  Overall, this

2009 Plantagenet Shiraz

David Honig
Wine Reviews
1 min read
This is a big mouthful of wine, but bright and fresh, not jammy. The nose has aromas of blackberries and wood smoke. Blackberries lead on the palate, followed by smoke, vanilla, and bacon, which lingers with blackberries and vanilla on a lengthy finish. Acids are bright, tannins firm and slightly