WINE & SPIRITS
Herradura Selección Suprema
On the nose, this top-shelf, extra añejo tequila delivers rich aromas of honey and papaya, which is to be expected given the spirits’ four-plus years of maturation in American white oak barrels. However, on the palate, the taste is unexpectedly bright and lively with notes of lime zest, vanilla caramels, and an herbaceous agave kick on the back end. Although relatively light in body, this extra añejo is round and layered, making it a complex yet easy-sipping tequila. $350; herradura.com
Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof Rye
Unlike the brand’s standard rye whiskey, the strength of this barrel proof release immediately comes through with a touch more heat and a slight astringency on the back end of the sip. A bit syrupier than that flagship offering, this barrel proof iteration showcases all of the grain’s peppery character, which the traditional bottled-in-bond whiskey wraps in baking spice. While E.H. Taylor, Jr.’s flagship rye might please most whiskey drinkers, this barrel proof release is a rye made for rye lovers. $78; buffalotracedistillery.com
The Last Drop 55 Year Old Tomintoul
The oldest single malt whisky released by The Last Drop to date, this 55-year-old Scotch was laid down in casks when the Speyside distillery was less than 4 years old. What has emerged—following 53 years in oak casks and another 20 months in Amoroso barrels—is a deep, golden whisky ripe with aromas of dark fruits, sweet raisins, and hints of toffee. On the palate, flavors of caramelized apples and sticky toffee pudding jump to the forefront and give way to subtle floral notes on a predictably long finish. $8,300; lastdropdistillers.com
Weller Millennium
One of the most mature offerings from the Buffalo Trace Distillery, Weller Millennium is a blend of straight bourbons and wheat whiskies distilled between 2000 and 2006. Bourbon’s customary cherry cola and vanilla aromas share the stage with notes of buttery toffee, honey, and faint citrus zest. On the palate, flavors of candied apples rush to the forefront, but they’re prefaced by generous measures of soft, smooth vanilla. This is a standout whiskey, one that offers a unique juxtaposition of a luscious mouthfeel and vibrant finish. $7,500; buffalotracedistillery.com
Highclere Castle Gin
This dry British gin offers a vibrant mix of piney juniper character and bright citrus notes on the nose, while a softer floral aroma lingers in the background. Remarkably smooth on the palate—especially considering all those vibrant aromas up front—this gin relies on lavender as a balancing botanical that softens some of the juniper flavor while promoting a round mouthfeel. Although the presence of orange peel and lime zest are most striking on the nose, they make a pleasing return on the finish. $40; highclerecastlegin.com
Alma Rosa 2021 Attente Red Wine Trio
An almost equal marriage of Syrah and grenache, both sourced from the highest-elevation blocks of Alma Rosa’s estate vineyard in Santa Barbara County, this Rhone-style blend pours a dark ruby color and immediately offers up aromas of wildflowers, blackberries, black currants, and a touch of peppery mint. On the palate, those berry notes transition to flavors of dark red fruit and sage, all of which linger on the wine’s prolonged finish. $375; almarosawinery.com
J.O. Sullivan 2021 Founder’s Reserve Merlot
A recent commitment to merlot that includes the replanting of four acres of prime cabernet sauvignon vineyards on the Rutherford estate in St. Helena, California, has yielded this founder’s reserve gem. Limited to just 350 cases, the elegant and sophisticated red is characterized by notes of blueberries, tobacco leaves, and toasted vanilla. Supported by small measures of cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc, J.O. Sullivan’s 2021 vintage boldly showcases the potential of merlot. $315; sullivanwine.com
Champagne Lallier Rosé
Comprised largely of white wines pressed from pinot noir and chardonnay grapes—with a scant measure of red grand cru sourced from the northernmost wine-producing village in Bouzy, France—this rosé Champagne introduces itself on the nose with stark aromas of fresh red fruits and subtle hints of apple. That red fruit character reappears on the palate, paired with some floral notes, all of which transition to a finish that lingers with elements of acid and salinity. $75; champagne-lallier.com
The Setting 2019 Oakville Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Lush, round, and full, this decadent cabernet sauvignon is balanced by enough tannins to offer a solid backbone juxtaposed by a fruit-forward jamminess up front. There’s an earthiness and an element of terroir in this New World red that is very Old World in how it drinks. Luscious and sophisticated, this cabernet is an assemblage of characteristics that all belie its age. $195; thesettingwines.com
Frank Family Vineyards 2022 Lewis Vineyard Chardonnay
Delivering bright, crisp orchard fruits wrapped in a buttery mouthfeel and a touch of creaminess, this 2022 vintage serves as an ideal hybrid chardonnay—one that’s likely to appeal to both the oaked and non-oaked fans. With a palate rich with stone fruit flavors and a Sauternes-like sugary character, it’s a wine that leans sweet without being cloying. $85; frankfamilyvineyards.com
