Previews

It's that day - the day we take a look at some of the newest products in our stores, or that are about to arrive.

Smooth Ambler Old Scout Bourbon

Old Scout is blended from 6 and 7 year old barrels with a high rye content of 36%. This fine whiskey has the exceptional taste and smoothness that comes with age. Non chill filtered, non carbon filtered. A robust 99 proof, it’s strong, but deliciously drinkable like all of Smooth Ambler’s offerings. Bold, sweet-spicy flavors with subtle apple, cherry and tobacco aroma. Smooth Ambler is a craft distiller from West Virginia, where they know a thing or two about making whiskey. Old Scout received an impressive 95 points from Wine Enthusiast.

Smooth Ambler Old Scout is available in very limited quantities for only $34.99.

Rombauer Napa Zinfandel

Year after year, the Rombauer Napa Chardonnay is one of the most requested white wines in our stores. We've now brought in another of their wines, the 2011 Zinfandel. From the winemaker notes:  "Rich, deep purple color with a dark red hue. Opening with vibrant boysenberry and black cherry aromas. Subtle hints of spice and licorice aromas follow, inviting a taste. Jammy, luscious wild berry and cinnamon flavors weave across the palate for a succulent mouth-feel. Fresh acidity and soft tannins round out the blackberry flavored finish." This is a great red for summer barbecues, especially if wings are on the menu.

New York Yankees Wines

Two sophisticated California wines are in stock, with the NY Yankees official logo. 

The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon is slowly fermented to maintain the aroma of currants and dried cherries, while extracting the colors and flavors associated with the Paso Robles region. The wine was aged in a combination of American and French oak to add complexity and to allow the wine to soften prior to bottling.

The 2012 Chardonnay comes from three select vineyards in 2 distinctly different micro climates ranging from very cool in the Green Valley area to warmer days in the Russian River plain area. The gravelly soil associated with the Russian River provides minerality and structure to grapes. Our Chardonnay had 20% malolactic fermentation to help round out the edges while maintaining the crisp Russian River influence. Aromas of apples and citrus combined with a hint of French oak make this wine enjoyable by itself or with food.

K Vintners 

Another spectacular group of wines from Washington State's Charles Smith. First, the 2011 River Rock Syrah. Sure this Walla Walla fruit came from the rocks, but man, this is different. Lean and mean, a wine for its time. Cured meat, camphor, forest floor, cool stone, and oh soooo refined tannins. 100% Syrah, this rated 93-95 points from Wine Advocate.

Then there's the 2011 Northridge Merlot, which also rated 93-95 points from Wine Advocate. Pencil shavings, graphite, cocoa powder, milk chocolate, espresso. Complex aromas of a woman's evening bag, perfume, coins, paper money, lipstick, pencil and even a broken matchbook.

Finally, we have their 2011 Clifton Hill Syrah, which only rated 92-94 from Wine Advocate. It's a "Wow" wine. Focused, rich, and kick-ass - serious stuff here! Raw meat, cedar, forest floor, coffee grounds, Asain five spice. Plenty of round tannins and a lengthy finish. 

All are available in extremely limited quantities.

Chateau Hyot

How about a Castillon - Côtes de Bordeaux that scored 90 points from Wine Spectator for under $15? Look no further. From the WS tasting notes on this 2010 vintage: "Very ripe, offering saturated cassis, blackberry and boysenberry pâte de fruit flavors that are racy and distinctive, thanks to fresh acidity and sleek tannins. The long finish has nice density. Drink now through 2016." This wine blends 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, from 40 year old vines.