2005 Veramonte Primus

This is probably one of the best reds out of Chile for under $20. The story of this Bordeaux blend goes all the way back to Bordeaux in the 1800s, when a wave of French immigrants were setting off to the new world to try and make their fortunes. Being French, they weren't going anywhere without their wine, and knowing that they were headed to an unknown world, the only way to ensure that there would be wine there was to bring the vines to grow it themselves. So off they went to Chile with vines representing the best of Bordeaux packed in wet sawdust and paper, to ensure the vines survived the trip across the Atlantic. The Veramonte Primus is a blend of Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. The best grapes from the top vineyard parcels are carefully sorted, destemmed, and fermented separately before blending and aging for 2 years in French Oak barrels, about 50% of which are new each year. This dark ruby red wine has aromas of chocolate, cherry and vanilla followed by a palate that seems to burst in your mouth with flavors of chocolate covered cherries summed up by a dusty tannic finish.
$19/750ml

Rating: 9.1 out of 10

Marietta Cellars Old Vine Cellars Lot # 49

I first tried the Marietta Cellars Old Vine Red a few years ago when I just needed a good red at a good price to take over to friends house warming party. I was truly amazed at the flavor and complexity this wine has, especially with it being priced under $15. Located in Sonoma County, Marietta Cellars specializes in Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Each year the winery creates a proprietary blend consisting of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Carignane and lesser amounts of Cabernet and Syrah. This years blend is predominately Zinfandel with Petite Sirah, Old Vine Carignan and a slight touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. Old Vine Red Lot 49 is somewhat of a culmination of the best attributes of Lot 47 and 48. Highlighting the structure and maturity of Lot 47, and the fruit forward Zinfandel blackberry, plum and spice qualities of Lot 48, Lot 49 is incredibly balanced, lush, supple on the palate with a round mouth-filling finish.
$13/750ml

Rating: 9.0 out of 10

Avery Sixteen Anniversary Ale Saison

This years Anniversary Ale from Avery Brewing Company, located in Boulder, CO, is a saison-esq ale that is brewed with jasmine flowers, peaches, honey and fermented with Belgium yeast. The saison style originated before the advent of refrigeration, Belgian brewers had to brew in autumn or winter to prevent the ale from spoiling during the storage period. After brewing, the ale was stored until the late summer harvest. Although now most commercial examples range from 5 to 8% abv, originally saisons were meant to be refreshing and thus had alcohol levels less than 3%. Because of the lack of potable water, saisons would give the farm hands the hydration they needed without the threat of illness. This particular saison has cloudy golden color with aromas of hops, jasmine and citrus that leads into refreshing palate.
$7/22oz. bomber

Rating: 9.3 out of 10

Oronoco Brazilian Rum

Two brothers, Roberto and Vicente Bastos Ribeiro, have spent more than 20 years refining a distillation process suitable to produce the smoothest rum in the world. With years of experience as caçhaca distillers and a profound knowledge of distilling freshly cut mountain sugar cane, the Ribeiros have developed a distillate that raises the standard of fine rum. Oronoco is the first super-premium white rum made with fresh cut Brazilian mountain cane. Unlike most rum with a molasses base, Oronoco’s distinct quality is the result of freshly cut, unprocessed mountain cane juice. The Ribeiros insist on mountain cane, as they believe that it yields a far superior taste. The result is a complex and flavorful cane that is harvested by hand and crushed within hours of cutting. These pain staking efforts allow for a rum with clean nose with light hints of vanilla and a crisp, clean palate and long naturally smooth finish.
$34/750ml

Rating: 9.0 out of 10

2005 Mr. Riggs Shiraz Viognier

A killer wine at a great price. The 2005 Shiraz Viognier is 95% Shiraz and 5% Viognier, which spent 10 months in primarily French oak,25% of which is new, is a classic South Australian red with more finesse and complexity because of the Viognier component. Reminiscent of a French Cote Rotie, its dense ruby/purple color is followed by a knock-out nose of lavender, creme de cassis, tar, and spice. Layered, plump, velvety texture, beautifully fruity, and long. This blend is interesting since you have a red and white grape blended to together. Taking the dark Shiraz grapes and co-fermenting them with a hatful of the purest white Viognier grapes. The Viognier actually deepens the color of the Shiraz to a ruby/purple color and intensifies the aromas by adding a slight floral and citrus character. Pairs best with pork tenderloin and lamb. Will be drinking well for the next 5 to 7 years.
$24/750ml

Rating: 9.0 out of 10

Buffalo Trace Bourbon

This whiskey is produced at the scenic Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, close to Woodford Reserve Distillery if you are touring home of numerous other whiskies such as Eagle Rare 10 year-old, Eagle Rare 17 year-old, Blanton's, Rock Hill Farms, Hancock Reserve, and Elmer T.Lee. The mixture of Corn and rye gives off aromas of vanilla and mint. You can smell the oaks influence on the whiskey in the peppery scent towards the end. Wonderful thick mouthfeel, warming but not burning at first. Smooth sweet honeyed notes with oak pepperiness at the end and a aftertaste of vanilla, fruits, mint and a warming heat. Goes down the throat with a warming pleasant burn. Lets you know you are drinking whiskey but doesn't punish you for it.
$21/750ml

Rating: 9.0 out of 10

2006 Perrin & Fils Vacqueyras

Located in the Southern Rhone Valley of France the appellation of Vacqueyras has producing exquisite red wines for centuries. The appellation lies between the villages of Sarrians and Vaison la Romaine near the rolling Dentelles de Montmirail hills. This blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah is bright red and seductive. Laid-back strawberry and raspberry aromas are brightened by fresh rose and cracked pepper. Silky in texture, with sweet red fruit preserve flavors, gentle tannins and a long, sweet finish. Surprisingly delicate but not lacking for flavor punch. Pairs best with lamb and pork tenderloin. Drink now through 2015.
$28/750ml

Rating: 9.2 out of 10