2011 McWilliam’s Hanwood Estate Chardonnay

David Honig
Wine Reviews
1 min read
This very moderately priced Aussie Chardonnay walks the line between round buttery wines slathered in oak and linear bright wines from stainless steel. Crisp, with soft edges and vanilla that stays in the background, judicious use of the wood does great service to good fruit. Red apple flavors give way

Hardy Perfection Cognac

David Honig
Wine Reviews
1 min read
Antoine Hardy put this Cognac up in 1863, and three generations of the Hardy family allowed it to age in barrel until the 1960s, and didn't offer it for sale until the 1980s. When it was finally released, the world's oldest unblended Cognac, made entirely from pre-phylloxera grapes, was the

Hardy Privilege Réserve du Prince Cognac

David Honig
Wine Reviews
1 min read
Hardy blended three great vintages, 1906, 1908, and 1914, to make this remarkable blend. It comes in Cognac's only bottle to receive approval to carry the "Authentic Pre World War I Vintage" label, packaged with in a custom Lalique decanter. The nose is fascinating, an intriguing blend of age and

Chivas Brothers Royal Salute

David Honig
Wine Reviews
1 min read
This is an old bottle of Royal Salute, with a 1981 tax stamp. The nose is sweet, fruity, and floral, with not a hint of peat or smoke. The nose shows honey, apples, pears, and magnolia. On the palate it is very smooth and sweet. Honey on toast, tropical fruits,

2009 Judd’s Hill Estate Petite Sirah

David Honig
Wine Reviews
1 min read
This is a big wine, with big fruit, big wood, and big spice. Deep black fruit aromas rise up from the glass, elderberry and mulberry, as well as some vanilla and spice. Dark fruits on the palate are bathed in cigar box spices and vanilla. Cocoa and coffee make appearances