So we sent Malt Advocate's John Hansell a sample of one of our favorite Aficionado's bottling a few weeks ago and this is what he had to say:
Scapa, 19 year old, 1989 Vintage, 52.7%, $150
This single cask bottling of Scapa is a beauty! Brilliant gold color. Clean and fresh on the nose and palate, with complex bright fruit (peach, tangerine, Golden Delicious apple, honeydew melon, pineapple), spice (cinnamon, vanilla, subtle cocoa), appetizing brine, and beach pebbles, all on a bed of creamy, squeaky clean honeyed malt. Dynamic, appetizing, briny, dried spice finish. A delicious, superbly balanced whisky that makes a great aperitif, but I could drink this any time. (Bottled exclusively for D&M Aficionado’s Club.)
Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 92
Monday, June 22, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
New Arrivals!
We're ecstatic about all these champagnes that just came in. You folks better get some before we run out.
Billecart - Salmon 1997 Cuvee Nicholas Francois Brut Champagne
$89.99
Outpointing its middling reputation, this vintage of the Cuvee Nicolas Francois Billecart bubbly hits the mark smartly with yeasty, rich and ripe aromas that are this producer's hallmark. Except for an extra note of chalk in its aromas and flavors, the smells of vanilla, ripe cherries and sweet lemons could easily pass for something grown here in California. It is balanced, rich, creamy and well-bubbled.
Score: 2 Puffs, Connoisseurs' Guide
Bollinger 1985 RD Extra Brut Champagne
$279.99
Disgorged in 1997. Founded in 1829, Champagne Bollinger introduced the world to an instantly recognizable, dry, toasty style that connoisseurs around the globe covet. Six generations of the Bollinger family have maintained the trademark style of their namesake Champagne and it is one of a few remaining Grande Marque houses owned, controlled and managed by the same family since its founding. Bollinger relies on its own estate for more than 60 percent of its grape requirements, including the Pinot Noir that gives its Champagne much of its distinctive strength and structure. Bollinger is one of a select few houses that can control the quality of its grape supply so carefully. Bollinger is renowned for its use of traditional methods that include extensive use of Pinot Noir, individual vinification of each marc and cru, barrel fermentation and extra-aging of all of its Champagnes on the lees prior to disgorgement.
Bollinger 1990 RD Extra Brut Champagne
$259.99
Disgorged in 2002. A full-bodied, powerful Champagne featuring biscuit and ginger aromas and flavors, picking up a grilled nut character on the finish. Very firmly structured and dry, yet with the flavor intensity and fine texture to match, this is a tour de force. Endless finish. Drink now through 2020.
Score: 97 Points, Collectibles. The Wine Spectator.
Pierre Gimonnet et Fils 1998 Vieilles Vignes De Chardonnay 1.5 Liters - Magnum
$134.99
This is dry and brisk, yet with fine intensity to its lemon, bread dough and hazelnut notes. Balanced overall, it ends with a nice richness and length. An ideal food Champagne.
Score: 90 Points The Wine Spectator
Green-gold. Spicy, vibrant citrus zest aromas, with nervy mineral accents and a hint of white flowers. Pure and energetic, with wonderful lift and great clarity to the flavors of lime, Meyer lemon and ruby-red grapefruit. A brisk mineral note of talc dominates the finish, which is impressively long.
Score: 91 Points Stephen Tanzer's, International Wine Cellar,
Billecart - Salmon 1997 Cuvee Nicholas Francois Brut Champagne
$89.99
Outpointing its middling reputation, this vintage of the Cuvee Nicolas Francois Billecart bubbly hits the mark smartly with yeasty, rich and ripe aromas that are this producer's hallmark. Except for an extra note of chalk in its aromas and flavors, the smells of vanilla, ripe cherries and sweet lemons could easily pass for something grown here in California. It is balanced, rich, creamy and well-bubbled.
Score: 2 Puffs, Connoisseurs' Guide
Bollinger 1985 RD Extra Brut Champagne
$279.99
Disgorged in 1997. Founded in 1829, Champagne Bollinger introduced the world to an instantly recognizable, dry, toasty style that connoisseurs around the globe covet. Six generations of the Bollinger family have maintained the trademark style of their namesake Champagne and it is one of a few remaining Grande Marque houses owned, controlled and managed by the same family since its founding. Bollinger relies on its own estate for more than 60 percent of its grape requirements, including the Pinot Noir that gives its Champagne much of its distinctive strength and structure. Bollinger is one of a select few houses that can control the quality of its grape supply so carefully. Bollinger is renowned for its use of traditional methods that include extensive use of Pinot Noir, individual vinification of each marc and cru, barrel fermentation and extra-aging of all of its Champagnes on the lees prior to disgorgement.
Bollinger 1990 RD Extra Brut Champagne
$259.99
Disgorged in 2002. A full-bodied, powerful Champagne featuring biscuit and ginger aromas and flavors, picking up a grilled nut character on the finish. Very firmly structured and dry, yet with the flavor intensity and fine texture to match, this is a tour de force. Endless finish. Drink now through 2020.
Score: 97 Points, Collectibles. The Wine Spectator.
Pierre Gimonnet et Fils 1998 Vieilles Vignes De Chardonnay 1.5 Liters - Magnum
$134.99
This is dry and brisk, yet with fine intensity to its lemon, bread dough and hazelnut notes. Balanced overall, it ends with a nice richness and length. An ideal food Champagne.
Score: 90 Points The Wine Spectator
Green-gold. Spicy, vibrant citrus zest aromas, with nervy mineral accents and a hint of white flowers. Pure and energetic, with wonderful lift and great clarity to the flavors of lime, Meyer lemon and ruby-red grapefruit. A brisk mineral note of talc dominates the finish, which is impressively long.
Score: 91 Points Stephen Tanzer's, International Wine Cellar,
Monday, May 25, 2009
June's American Whiskey Club
Alright, y'all can move forward to the edge of your seats. The next American Whiskey Club bottling is going to be a 7 year old single barrel from Willett! Here's an advance of the insert that'll be going out with the bottle (minus the tasting notes as I've yet to locate where I stashed them).
Willett is a brand, albeit one whose name retains historical significance. It begins with the story of John David Willett who formed Moore, Willett & Frenke Distilling shortly after the Civil War (Mr. Moore being John David’s brother-in-law and Mr. Frenke being an interested party from Louisville). In 1876, John David Willett fell ill and sold his interests to Moore and Frenke. Lambert Willett, John David’s son, started working at the distillery at the age of 15. After learning the ropes in his family’s distillery, Lambert moved over to Max Selliger & Co. Distillery eventually becoming one-third owner and superintendent of the plant. A.L. “Thompson” Willett, Lambert’s son, joined him at the plant as assistant superintendent. Thompson eventually left to establish the Willett Distilling Company and in 1935 construction began on their distillery. Five years after the founding of Willett Distilling Company, Lambert too left Max Selliger & Co. Distillery and joined his son to oversee the distilling process at Willett Distillery. Distribution remained fairly localized. During the gasoline crisis of the 1970s, the Willett Distillery switched production from alcohol to gasohol fuel. However, they never got the chance to capitalize on this as the U.S. soon recovered from the crisis. The distillery closed down and the bourbon distilling equipment and machinery was sold off and scrapped, with only the gasohol equipment remaining within the distillery.
Fortunately the Willett’s story does not end here. Thompson Willett’s daughter married a man by the name of Even G. Kulsveen of Hamar, Norway. In 1984, Even purchased the property and has ever since strived towards bringing the Willett Distillery back to life. He began by bottling whiskey that remained from the distillery’s production and remarketing it, primarily to the Japanese and (secondarily) the European markets. The old Willett stock has since run dry, and Even has turned to buying whiskey from other distilleries and bottling it under his brands’ names. This is not as sinister as it might sound. Even Kulsveen is one of many people who do this and his ability to select and blend whiskey from other distilleries in order to attain the profile he is looking for is evidence of his skills. The original Willett Distillery is under construction in an attempt to restore it to its former state of whiskey production; they are in the final stages and we expect nothing less than great whiskey from them as they move to operating out of their own distillery. The Willett label is part of the line up from parent company Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, responsible for such whiskeys as Noah’s Mill, Rowan’s Creek, Vintage, Pure Kentucky, Johnny Drum and Old Bardstown among others.
Recently we have been seeing a fair amount independent single barrel bottlings under the Willett name. We’ve been impressed with every one that we’ve tried, all of them showing a distinctive profile that is at once recognizable as Willett but each with their own characteristics and nuances that set them apart. This selection is a 7 year old, barrel number 1572. The nose is ripe with orange blossoms, honey, lemon and brown sugar. The palate is light and lively, citrus driven with dough and nougat. This is a cask strength bottling and we recommend water (not just because of the proof). Water really opens up the palate on this whiskey. We got a lot fuller flavors and much more rye spice with just a couple drops of water. We’ve chosen this barrel in conference with a few bars and restaurants that will be splitting it with us.
.jake/obo.
Willett is a brand, albeit one whose name retains historical significance. It begins with the story of John David Willett who formed Moore, Willett & Frenke Distilling shortly after the Civil War (Mr. Moore being John David’s brother-in-law and Mr. Frenke being an interested party from Louisville). In 1876, John David Willett fell ill and sold his interests to Moore and Frenke. Lambert Willett, John David’s son, started working at the distillery at the age of 15. After learning the ropes in his family’s distillery, Lambert moved over to Max Selliger & Co. Distillery eventually becoming one-third owner and superintendent of the plant. A.L. “Thompson” Willett, Lambert’s son, joined him at the plant as assistant superintendent. Thompson eventually left to establish the Willett Distilling Company and in 1935 construction began on their distillery. Five years after the founding of Willett Distilling Company, Lambert too left Max Selliger & Co. Distillery and joined his son to oversee the distilling process at Willett Distillery. Distribution remained fairly localized. During the gasoline crisis of the 1970s, the Willett Distillery switched production from alcohol to gasohol fuel. However, they never got the chance to capitalize on this as the U.S. soon recovered from the crisis. The distillery closed down and the bourbon distilling equipment and machinery was sold off and scrapped, with only the gasohol equipment remaining within the distillery.
Fortunately the Willett’s story does not end here. Thompson Willett’s daughter married a man by the name of Even G. Kulsveen of Hamar, Norway. In 1984, Even purchased the property and has ever since strived towards bringing the Willett Distillery back to life. He began by bottling whiskey that remained from the distillery’s production and remarketing it, primarily to the Japanese and (secondarily) the European markets. The old Willett stock has since run dry, and Even has turned to buying whiskey from other distilleries and bottling it under his brands’ names. This is not as sinister as it might sound. Even Kulsveen is one of many people who do this and his ability to select and blend whiskey from other distilleries in order to attain the profile he is looking for is evidence of his skills. The original Willett Distillery is under construction in an attempt to restore it to its former state of whiskey production; they are in the final stages and we expect nothing less than great whiskey from them as they move to operating out of their own distillery. The Willett label is part of the line up from parent company Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, responsible for such whiskeys as Noah’s Mill, Rowan’s Creek, Vintage, Pure Kentucky, Johnny Drum and Old Bardstown among others.
Recently we have been seeing a fair amount independent single barrel bottlings under the Willett name. We’ve been impressed with every one that we’ve tried, all of them showing a distinctive profile that is at once recognizable as Willett but each with their own characteristics and nuances that set them apart. This selection is a 7 year old, barrel number 1572. The nose is ripe with orange blossoms, honey, lemon and brown sugar. The palate is light and lively, citrus driven with dough and nougat. This is a cask strength bottling and we recommend water (not just because of the proof). Water really opens up the palate on this whiskey. We got a lot fuller flavors and much more rye spice with just a couple drops of water. We’ve chosen this barrel in conference with a few bars and restaurants that will be splitting it with us.
.jake/obo.
Friday, May 22, 2009
The White Bowmore
It came in just last Tuesday and only 3 retail stores in
Northern California have this legendary bottle.
John Hansell from Malt Advocate gave it 94 Points.
For all you wealthy Islaphiles we're offering a package deal,
$10,000 for the Black and the White Bowmore!
Here are some detailed infos about this bottle:
Distilld: 1964 New Limited Edition. 42.8% ABV. Northern California only received 3 Bottles.
On the 5th of November 1964 the Bowmore spirit was filled into six bourbon casks and left to quietly mature in the deep, dark Bowmore vaults. After more than forty three years, the bourbon oak wood has infused the Bowmore spirit with light luscious vanilla tones. The color is golden syrup, with amazing aromas of Gallia melon, mango and papaya.
Only 732 bottles were obtained from the casks, but the result is outstanding. It is rare indeed to find a single malt scotch whisky of this quality and calibre.
Monday, May 11, 2009
An Old Favorite is Back.
Last Friday's tasting was just plain awful we tried 19 bottles and passed one.
The good news is the passer was a bottle of Champagne, Ruelle Pertois Premier Cru Blanc De Blancs.. We have been big fans of this bubbly for quite some time now and have been eagerly anticipating its return. We're just happy that this current blend is just as good as the previous bottles. Made with pure Chardonnay and is made mostly with the 2000 and 2001 vintages. Citrus, brioche and hazelnuts on the nose. Creamy and toasty brioche flavors, the mousse is very pretty.
This is a small, family run champagne producer located in the town of Moussy. Their various vineyard parcels total just under 15 acres, from which just over 4,000 cases of champagne are made a year.
Their Côtes de Blancs vineyards (comprising 50% of their holdings) are located in Cramant, Chouilly and Oiry, all considered 100% Grand Cru for Chardonnay. The other 50% of their vineyards are located in the Cote d'Epernay villages of Moussy, Pierry and Vinay. All three champagne varietals (Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay) are planted there, with the majority being Pinot Meunier.
The good news is the passer was a bottle of Champagne, Ruelle Pertois Premier Cru Blanc De Blancs.. We have been big fans of this bubbly for quite some time now and have been eagerly anticipating its return. We're just happy that this current blend is just as good as the previous bottles. Made with pure Chardonnay and is made mostly with the 2000 and 2001 vintages. Citrus, brioche and hazelnuts on the nose. Creamy and toasty brioche flavors, the mousse is very pretty.
This is a small, family run champagne producer located in the town of Moussy. Their various vineyard parcels total just under 15 acres, from which just over 4,000 cases of champagne are made a year.
Their Côtes de Blancs vineyards (comprising 50% of their holdings) are located in Cramant, Chouilly and Oiry, all considered 100% Grand Cru for Chardonnay. The other 50% of their vineyards are located in the Cote d'Epernay villages of Moussy, Pierry and Vinay. All three champagne varietals (Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay) are planted there, with the majority being Pinot Meunier.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Tasting Notes Update.
Here are the things that we liked from our staff tasting on Friday the 24th.
Aberlour Single Malt Scotch 11 year old, Duncan Taylor Bottling
Pale gold with a typical Aberlour nose composed of malt, fruit and
a hint of sherry. Light bodied, grassy and slightly sweet with some nice
spiciness.
Bernard Lonclas NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
White golden colored wine with very fine beads. The nose is
composed of flowers, pepper and toast. Soft and pretty on
the palate, it offers delicate toast along with cream and
flowers. Nice length to the toastiness of the finish.
Tres elegant bubbly.
Bowmore Single Malt Scotch 25 year old, Duncan Taylor Bottling
Red gold in color with a nose that says Bowmore--ozone, peat
and the sea. Spicy and rich on the palate, there's a perfume
element laced all through the smoke. The sea salt is there and
the ozone comes up for a bow on the finish.
Domaine des Cassagnoles 08 Cotes de Gascogne $9
White gold color with some spices and a hint of petrol to
the nose. Light with bright melon fruit.
Snappy and refreshing on the finish.
Glenesk 20 YO Single Malt Scotch, Duncan Taylor
Pale gold with a salty, Oceanic nose. Light body with
white pepper and lots of flavor and depth to it.
Dangerously easy to drink, especially at this proof.
There's interesting tequila like tang to the center of this one.
JAQK 2006 Merlot CA $ $27.00
Black velvet colored wine with rich blueberry fruit
dancing on the nose. This is exactly what it should
be in the glass--Silky and soft, with
chocolate covered cherry fruit. It's rich,
with complexity under the silk.
Johnny Drum Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Red walnut color with an enticing nose.
Soft and complex in the palate, this bourbon
just holds you attention with sweet molasses
teased by a peppery spiciness.
A very nicely built whiskey
Johnny Drum Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Greenish gold color with a lightly smoky nose that
shows off a little earth as well. Light bodied,
but offering chewy, cookie-dough like flavors,
with a little bit of spiciness to the finish.
Kentucky Vintage Bourbon,Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Nut brown whiskey with a honey, molasses and horehound
candy nose. Crisp and snappy on the palate, with a nice
sweetness, but never cloying. There’s an intriguing
note of rhubarb fruit hiding the center.
Lieff 08 Rutherford Sauvignon Blanc $20
Very pale lemon in the color, the nose shows off grass
on a bed of minerals. Light and spicy on the palate,
with gooseberry fruit and some nice
white pepper notes before a snappy finish.
Macrostie 07 Carneros Chardonnay $14
Rich gold color with a nose of smoke wrapped in vanilla
and cream. On the palate it's classic Macrostie--dried
apple slices simmered in cream, finished up with just
a touch of butter and vanilla.
Tamdhu Single Malt Scotch 34 year old
Pale gold with a nose composed of fresh mint and thyme.
Soft on the palate and on the lighter side, showing pretty
malt and great gentleness. This might be too gentle for some,
but it will have its fans. Very easy to like.
Aberlour Single Malt Scotch 11 year old, Duncan Taylor Bottling
Pale gold with a typical Aberlour nose composed of malt, fruit and
a hint of sherry. Light bodied, grassy and slightly sweet with some nice
spiciness.
Bernard Lonclas NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
White golden colored wine with very fine beads. The nose is
composed of flowers, pepper and toast. Soft and pretty on
the palate, it offers delicate toast along with cream and
flowers. Nice length to the toastiness of the finish.
Tres elegant bubbly.
Bowmore Single Malt Scotch 25 year old, Duncan Taylor Bottling
Red gold in color with a nose that says Bowmore--ozone, peat
and the sea. Spicy and rich on the palate, there's a perfume
element laced all through the smoke. The sea salt is there and
the ozone comes up for a bow on the finish.
Domaine des Cassagnoles 08 Cotes de Gascogne $9
White gold color with some spices and a hint of petrol to
the nose. Light with bright melon fruit.
Snappy and refreshing on the finish.
Glenesk 20 YO Single Malt Scotch, Duncan Taylor
Pale gold with a salty, Oceanic nose. Light body with
white pepper and lots of flavor and depth to it.
Dangerously easy to drink, especially at this proof.
There's interesting tequila like tang to the center of this one.
JAQK 2006 Merlot CA $ $27.00
Black velvet colored wine with rich blueberry fruit
dancing on the nose. This is exactly what it should
be in the glass--Silky and soft, with
chocolate covered cherry fruit. It's rich,
with complexity under the silk.
Johnny Drum Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Red walnut color with an enticing nose.
Soft and complex in the palate, this bourbon
just holds you attention with sweet molasses
teased by a peppery spiciness.
A very nicely built whiskey
Johnny Drum Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Greenish gold color with a lightly smoky nose that
shows off a little earth as well. Light bodied,
but offering chewy, cookie-dough like flavors,
with a little bit of spiciness to the finish.
Kentucky Vintage Bourbon,Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Nut brown whiskey with a honey, molasses and horehound
candy nose. Crisp and snappy on the palate, with a nice
sweetness, but never cloying. There’s an intriguing
note of rhubarb fruit hiding the center.
Lieff 08 Rutherford Sauvignon Blanc $20
Very pale lemon in the color, the nose shows off grass
on a bed of minerals. Light and spicy on the palate,
with gooseberry fruit and some nice
white pepper notes before a snappy finish.
Macrostie 07 Carneros Chardonnay $14
Rich gold color with a nose of smoke wrapped in vanilla
and cream. On the palate it's classic Macrostie--dried
apple slices simmered in cream, finished up with just
a touch of butter and vanilla.
Tamdhu Single Malt Scotch 34 year old
Pale gold with a nose composed of fresh mint and thyme.
Soft on the palate and on the lighter side, showing pretty
malt and great gentleness. This might be too gentle for some,
but it will have its fans. Very easy to like.
Monday, April 27, 2009
More American Whiskey
It has almost become a mission to stock the store as so it has one of the best American Whiskey selections. Getting started is the easy part as their is plenty of good and well known whiskeys being made in the states. It starts getting a little bit more difficult when you reach the point that we're at now. We can always use suggestions. So, what would you like to see in the shop? Here are a few that we're thinking about; give us your thoughts on them.
Elijah Craig 12 Year Old
Vintage 23 Year Old Rye
Ezra Brooks
Hancock's Reserve
Pritchard's Double Barrel
Old Fitzgerald Very Special 12 Year Old
and some economically sensitive whiskey:
Ancient Age
Old Grand Dad
Fighting Cock
Old Crow 3 Year Old
Jim Beam Rye
Also, we're coming to a decision on our next bottle for the American Whiskey Club. It'll be a single barrel from Willett. I'll have more details for y'all soon. Stay tuned.
.jake/obo.
Elijah Craig 12 Year Old
Vintage 23 Year Old Rye
Ezra Brooks
Hancock's Reserve
Pritchard's Double Barrel
Old Fitzgerald Very Special 12 Year Old
and some economically sensitive whiskey:
Ancient Age
Old Grand Dad
Fighting Cock
Old Crow 3 Year Old
Jim Beam Rye
Also, we're coming to a decision on our next bottle for the American Whiskey Club. It'll be a single barrel from Willett. I'll have more details for y'all soon. Stay tuned.
.jake/obo.
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