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2020 Wrap-up & 12 Days of a BevFluence Christmas
Obviously, 2020 was a challenging year. One consolation was reading our content creator feed each day and learning from our community. This also helped us see how influencers were reacting to the pandemic and the general confusion of 2020.
We learned a lot about our community, our nation, and ourselves this past year and have put new ideas into action. Ideas for 2021 and beyond that will strengthen our communities and the ecosystem of content creation. Our ideas and strategies will boost content and influencer marketing relationships. Many of these strategies will remain relevant in a post-pandemic environment and we look forward to using our experience and knowledge to implement more economical and efficient influencer events in 2021. Many brands will come out of this year stronger, some will not come out at all but those who understand what has changed will be the strongest.
Our team has had its challenges this year but nothing that compares to the lives forever changed by COVID-19 and the deep-seated issues that we face. Our goals for the next year are to be inclusive, kind, all-embracing, and shoulder the responsibility of building up our community rather than tearing it down. So often you see one creator or influencers take down another, but we rise above that. In 2021 Bevfluence will host more inclusive events and campaigns than anyone has ever seen.
We are looking forward to what the future will bring, and growing along with the hospitality community as we emerge from turbulent times.
12 Days of a BevFluence Christmas
A Top bottle Under the Tree
The Bruery Partridge in a Pear Tree…
For our first we decided on this baby! Belgian-style quadrupel ale brewed with spice. We thought this was a fitting beginning to our 12 days countdown. Aside from the obvious name the team chose a true standout beer with incredibly fruit forward palate.
(Bevfluence)
Two Total Loves!
- Sans Leige “The Offering” GSM Red
This is an absolutely stunning GSM from Santa Barbara County. Seriously, the nose on this bottle is just unbelievable. Stick your face in a glass of this and you’ll understand what I mean. Notes of sweet red berries, freshly chopped cedar, cinnamon, licorice, baked cherry pie. On the palate, this explodes in your mouth with dark fruit, molasses, fig, cola, and slight sour cherry on the finish. This is one of those wines that takes over your senses and before you know it, your bottle is gone. I’m curious to see this one’s aging potential and plan to revisit in a few years. 39% Grenache, 36% Syrah, 25% Mourvèdre.
(Lyssa Hurvitz – Wishes And Wine) - Sequoia Sake Nama Sake
Arguably, the best sake producers in the country are both in the SF Bay Area (Den Sake in Oakland since 2017 is the other), making Japan-worthy, critically acclaimed sake in the state that grows the most sake rice. Husband-wife team, Jake Myrick and Noriko Kamei, have been brewing Japan-worthy sake from their San Francisco warehouse since 2015 with this unpasteurized Junmai Ginjo Nama (or namazake) my favorite: tangy, fresh, alive with pear and citrus, yet smooth on the palate.
(Virginia Miller – ThePerfectSpot)
Three French Drams
- Jean-Luc Pasquet L’Organic 07 Cognac
Organic and with a refreshingly modern label and look for the category, Jean-Luc Pasquet L’Organic Cognacs use native yeasts, no chill-filtering, no added caramel or sugar. The producers are one of those rich family stories that makes the Cognac and Armagnac regions of France so special. This is a stunning spirit/eau de vie distilled from 100% ugni blanc grapes from a single vineyard in Cognac’s Grande Champagne region.
(Virginia Miller – ThePerfectSpot) - Tiffon XO Cognac
Dating back to 1875 this brand nails it. A sublime cognac that is filled with figs chocolate, oak, leather, honey and caramel. A delicate and balanced dram worth every penny.
(BevFluence) - Lelouvier Calvados 1991
In the south of Normandy sits a producer making fine Calvados since 1933… Fruit driven and bright acid, we love this one. It speaks to the soul of any true spirit lover. A beautiful and delicate Calvados!
(Bevfluence)
Four Calling Rye
- Old Overholt Rye Whiskey
A girl can’t live on gin alone, believe me I’ve tried. While Old Overholt rye whiskey had been around since 1810 and a Rivers family favorite- I have asked friends in Ohio to grab me a small warehouse worth of this control state only (2021 should see a batch released in PA- well if 2020 allows it) non chill filtered thing of legends. Did I mention it’s bottled at 92.6 proof and is on my desert island playlist.
(Keli Rivers) - Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye Roundstone Rye Cask Proof “Maple Finished”
This is the cask proof Roundstone Rye finished in a Langdon Wood maple syrup barrel. The base is a powerful rye whiskey where the 58% abv is evident but countered by a remarkable smoothness and complexity. Now add in finishing in a maple syrup barrel that adds even more complexity and a sweet landing.
(BevFluence) - Myer Farm Distillers New York Straight Rye
Tons of Check Mix, turpentine and coconibs. Beautiful, rounded spice with bright, quick finish. The farm is very beautiful.
And once the planet opens again, it is worth a visit to the heart of the Finger Lakes. This is a great place and great rye.
(BevFluence) - Still 630 Rally Point Rye Experimental
Lush candy corn, bright straw color, and cinnamon toast crunch. Very soft finish awesome. Love the number of whiskey these guys produce. Such a fun and co brand.
(BevFluence)
5 Golden Rums
- Saint Benevolence Rum Clairin
As an agricole lover and funk/hogo-chaser, I adore Haitian clairin and Saint Benevolence Clairin is an organic beauty from a father-son duo who also give directly back to Haiti.
(Virginia Miller – ThePerfectSpot) - Cotton & Reed Sherried Cask Strength Rum
The rum is then aged in used bourbon barrels just like their Mellow Gold Rum Afterward, the aging rum is transferred to PX Sherry-seasoned casks where PX refers to Pedro Ximénez grapes aged in a solera system where the grape brandy undergoes oxidative aging for an Oloroso.
(BevFluence) - Puerto Rico Distillery Clandestine Pitorro Rum
Pitorro is Puerto Rican moonshine — and not of the corn whiskey persuasion that we are familiar with within the United States. It is, in fact, an artisan rum produced by distilling sugar cane and traditionally cured with fruit and buried for several months.
(BevFluence) - Batiste Gold Rhum
Rhum made in the French Caribbean and finished in Napa. The gold is aged in used rye barrels and has a clean quality and a bright fresh palate. Grassy and young with plenty of potential. These are unique and so they made our list in 2020 for cool and interesting rums.
(BevFluence) - Mount Gay XO Peated
Made in Barbados this was one of the best rums we tried all year. Smooth and honey with baked fruit, caramel and a citrus-like finish. The finish happened in American whiskey barrels and Islay peated casks which give a dank citrus note that is incredible.
(BevFluence)
SIX Books a Reading
Have you ever wondered if you need a centrifuge to make a Manhattan? Perhaps in life you find yourself wondering, what do fairies of the forest eat and how much? Maybe you are tired of myth and just want the facts about bourbon.
Check out our reading list…. Get it? check out, like a library!
- Beer FAQ by Jeff Cioletti
Read this book and enjoy the one-of-a-kind take on beer history and current events. Not the easiest read ever but for those who want to learn about the beer life it’s worth a read. - Vertical by Rex Pickett
Are you in the mood for a bloviating windbag to tell you about wine? Read this book and you will get it, (the storyteller in the book, not Rex by the way) - Bourbon Bible by Eric Zandona
A great book that gives a history of Bourbon and tasting notes that actually make sense. - The Troll Cookbook by Karima Cammell & Clint Marsh
Such a fun and cool book, that is about a holistic approach to food. - Fine Cider by Felix Nash
Apples are the new oranges! This book gives a history but also deep dives into cider making and tips. We especially love the question on page 21, What is Cider? - Liquid Intelligence
Holy Shit.. The Ultimate geek out book on cocktails. If you have not read this book.. YOU KNOW NOTHING! Seriously it’s a good book.
Seven Gins a Swilling
- Rock Rose Jelly Donut
Officially launched at the end of 2019- I didn’t crack mine open until the first of the year and man oh man am I still thinking about it. While the sweet fruity nose tricks you in thinking this is just another novelty item- this LTO is the real deal! It made a fantastic negroni or four! Sadly not available in the US. - Four Pillars Off Broadway
Four Pillars was the 2020 IWSC International Gin Producer of the Year (for the second year in a row) for good reason- always producing meaningful and thoughtful creations- this one is an Astor’s Wine and Spirits (NY) release only – sorry rest of the country and a must have for any serious Gin Collector.
(Keli Rivers) - Bully Boy Distillers “Estate Gin”
This grain and apple distillate base gin from MA is everything a floral and citrus gin should be- while there is a good hit of juniper for those who want a more traditional gin. I love split base gins and Estate Gin’s popularity says I’m not the only one.
(Keli Rivers) - Tamworth Garden Backyard Gin; Blueberry Cucumber
I know what you’re going to say, “dang it Keli, can’t you suggest a gin I can actually get a bottle of?” All I have to say is “It’s 2020 bitches!” Tamworth Distillery has been a go to of mine since I grabbed a bottle of their Apiary gin many moons ago and now that I live on the East Coast I have access to their limited editions like never before so when I took my only mini vacation this year to a small remote island in Maine I took the 3 hour detour to Tamworth and grabbed as much as I could. This was a stand out- an amazing nose that bloomed (pun intended) when I mixed it with soda water! I love gins that grow in the glass, a squeeze of key lime and there was no turning back.
(Keli Rivers) - Farallon Holy Wood & Cask Gin
is easily the most intriguing (in a good way) spirit I had all year. It is a barrel-aged, palo-santo infused gin that adds another flavor dimension to Negroni. It’s truly spectacular. - Black Button Distilling – Citrus Forward
Very clean and citrus forward so it is well named. Orange peel and citrus hops on the nose. Balanced and nice. Well done!
(BevFluence) - Myer Farm Distillers Cayuga Gold Gin
Bold and spicy with tons of crazy caramel pie crust notes. This has been a solid gin for years and has such an interesting flavor profile.
(BevFluence)
8 Wines – a – pouring
- Péter Vida Bonsai Oregtokes Kadarka 2017 via Taste Hungary
Kadarka is the Hungarian equivalent to Pinot Noir, both in the glass and in the vineyard. Once planted, Kadarka vines are temperamental – and like Pinot susceptible to grey rot and require constant attention. The rolling hills of Szekszard are Hungary’s most fertile agricultural region and enjoy both a Continental and Mediterranean climate. These dual climates provide a long growing season and the many valleys provide distinct micro-climates. It is produced from over hundred-year-old, gnarly-looking vines that a Japanese visitor likened to a Bonsai tree. “Often you literally have to kneel in front of the rootstocks to prune them as these are ancient bush-trained vines,” winery founder Péter Vida said. “The image on the label – a mix of a Bonsai tree and an old vine – aims to convey the sense that the wisdom of the plant is bigger than that of humans even if it is diminutive in size.” This is a delicious wine, light-medium bodied with a sour cherry dominance followed by slight spice and dirt. Expect a layer of texture and lifting acidity. - Seis Soleil White Blend
This white blend is a harmonious blend of Albariño and Grenache Blanc, and yes it is as lovely as it sounds! Floral and Aromatic on the nose with notes of lemon, honeydew, Granny Smith apple, orange blossom, light stone fruit, and nice minerality. The Grenache Blanc brings the mouthwatering fruit and acidity while the Albariño rounds out the experience with delicacy, making for an easy sipper perfect for sharing with friends or pairing with food.
(Lyssa Hurvitz – Wishes And Wine) - Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon from Caymus
Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Chuck Wagner, owner & winemaker of Caymus Vineyards. At around $20 a bottle, this is such a great go-to weeknight wine that can be paired beautifully with a meal or enjoyed on its own. On the nose, notes of violet, blackberry, fig, baked blueberry cobbler, and smoke. On the palate, I get more dark berries, licorice, mocha, a little bit of earthiness, and some toasted oak and vanilla. Smooth tannins and a velvety finish.
(Lyssa Hurvitz – Wishes And Wine) - Sea Bird Wines 2014 Poseidon Cabernet Sauvignon
Beautifully structured with blueberry, blackberry, black currant with a hint of “Rutherford Dust” hitting you from front-to-back. At 14.5%, this wine slightly aged stands firmly by itself. You could serve this up with a lighter meal or open it to start a party. Sourced from the G3 Vineyard in Napa Valley, this wine is the iconic expression of what a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon should be – drink it now or hold it back for a few more years.
(Joe Campbell – Sierra Wine Guy) - JC Vizcarra Ribera del Duero 2013 100% Tempranillo
This wine is so big and bold, if you told me it was a Barolo I would believe you. Goes great with spicy food. A fantastic Tempranillo from Northern Spain.
(The Mad Martian) - Angwin Estate Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Angwin Estate is a micro-boutique estate winery producing outstanding bottles that focus on a sense of place. Jon Larson crafts beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon from his family property, emphasizing natural winemaking philosophies in the process. This Cab is one that will stick with you long after the bottle’s gone.
(Paige Comrie – Wine With Paige) - 2012 Turiya Wines Sangiovese
This 2012 Sangiovese is literally swoon-worthy. Ripe red fruit, mushroom, vibrant florals and spices explode on the nose, with fantastic notes of vanilla, caramel, herbs and dried meats. This is a 100% Sangiovese with berries hailing from Stolpman Vineyard in Santa Ynez. There were only 26 cases produced, so I recommend hopping on this now and not missing the opportunity to try this truly fantastic wine.
(Lyssa Hurvitz – Wishes And Wine) - Berryessa Gap Durif (Petite Sirah)
Durif (Petite Sirah) is one of the many grapevines grown at Berryessa Gap and winemaker Nicole Salengo produces two versions, a field blend labeled Petite Sirah and a 100% Durif labeled using the European nomenclature. For a sensory descriptor, this wine is juicy, with dense blueberries, slight spice, and friendly chewy tannins. But on a metaphysical dimension, this wine provides the feeling after that perfect golf swing or getting the barrel on a baseball.
(BevFluence)
9 Spirits Dancing
- Ardbeg Uigeadail
I came across Uigeadail while shopping for a recent zoom chat on Whisky that I attended. Although I had a few bottles (Whisky) in my collection I wanted to try something new. While researching the Ardbeg I hadn’t tried what drew me to this one was the flavor notes of Campfire and Marshmallows. This whisky, paired with dark or milk chocolate brings back childhood memories of camping with family and friends and eating s’mores by the fire. It also pairs well with blue cheese and a smoky charcutier.
(Rhett Moffat – Gone with the Wine) - Golden Moon Kümmel
The Golden Moon Distillery was awarded the American Distilling Institute’s 2019 Distillery of the Year Award and we leveraged a visit to this Golden Colorado distillery during our #BevFluenceExperienceDenver. We learned about their unique liquor program which included the Kümmel – a spirit initially developed by assistant distiller Robbie Cunningham based on a Scottish recipe. The base alcohol is flavored with caraway and fennel and on its own is an interesting spirit. But it was suggested as an alternative to vodka in a Bloody Mary – particularly with the Real Dill Bloody Mary mix and rimming spice, a dash of Celery Horseradish or Smoked Salt and Pepper bitters from FloraLuna Apothecary, and topped with a Real Dill Habanero Pickle.
(BevFluence) - Gamle Ode Dill Aquavit
From Mike McCarron’s Minneapolis micro-distillery, Gamle Ode Aquavit leans Danish style, meaning dill-forward and grain-based. It pairs beautifully with everything from seafood to Reuben sandwiches.
(Virginia Miller – The Perfect Spot) - Vamonos Riendo Mezcal
Just released in the States this year, Vamonos Riendo Mezcal is a prime, balanced example of less smoky mezcals, subtle enough (in smoke) to win over the non-converted, complex, and unique enough to win over mezcal lovers.
(Virginia Miller – The Perfect Spot) - Devil’s Share Bourbon Whiskey
Let me introduce you to the next unicorn. Cutwater Spirits (formerly Ballast Point) have released a string of exceptional Devil’s Share Malt Whiskeys. Their latest iteration of Bourbon is an unabashed flavor bomb. It sits just outside of Kentucky flavor profile but all the components are very definitely in Bourbon territory. Leading with a nose of cedar chest, burnt sugar, and fruity bubble gum, it hits the tip of the tongue with sweet honeycomb candy, warming to a campfire. It is a bold fight between heat and flavor, with flavor winning out, and coating the tongue in rich viscous layers of cinnamon, leather and spice. Devil’s Share Bourbon finishes long and slightly drying, leaving a longing to pour a little more liquid on the smoldering embers. It is a good whiskey to dive into headfirst, and a hard one to put down once you’ve started.
(BevFluence) - Germain-Robin XO
The new releases of the Germain-Robin XO brandy is the best opportunity people have to see the delicate craft of the master distiller/master blender. For approximately a decade, Hubert Germain-Robin was not involved in the blending and marrying of the spirits to make the brandies that bore his name. Since purchasing the brand, E&J Gallo have reunited the master with his babies… er, um, barrels. Working with the Gallo team, Germain-Robin created the blend of pot-still brandies from various grape varieties to again make his XO blend. The new red, black and cream packaging displays the rings of a redwood tree and makes the Germain-Robin blends jump off the shelf with the respect they deserve.(BevFluence) - Lepanto Brandy de Jerez Solera Gran Reserva
This is the only Brandy de Jerez to be produced entirely within Jerez. The spirit is made from Palomino grape must which is double distilled in Charentais pot stills (Cognac stills manufactured in the 1960s). The hearts or “holandas” of the run (68-72% abv) are aged in a traditional “Criaderas y Solera” system, in American oak casks previously used to age sherry. The solera contains 15 criaderas, with an average age of over 12 years. Nine of those years were spent in used Tio Pepe barrels and three in used Matusalem barrels
(BevFluence) - Nonino Grappa Chardonnay
Nonino was founded in 1897 by Orazio Nonino in the Friuli region of Italy and has run through six generations as Benito and Giannola passed control over to their three daughters Cristina, Antonella and Elisabetta (the 5th generation). The Nonino’s consider 40% abv as grappa’s sweet spot and this delicious version weighs in at that level. It is completely devoid of heat both on the nose and in the palate and includes slight oak characters from mild oak treatment. Excellent.
(BevFluence) - Dancing Goat Distillery Limousin Rye B 14
Using the oak they chose was a great call. This rye is killer, with notes of everything you want in quality rye. Spicy and bold, Chex mix and fades into a soft berry finish.
(BevFluence)
10 Beers-a-Brewing
- The Boon Brewery Gueuze Mariage Parfait “Oude Gueuze”
This is 100% spontaneously fermented, aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels, blended, and re-fermented in the bottle. Completely dry, with a bready and tart mouthfeel. Sip and enjoy. According to craftbeer.com: Belgian-style Lambic or Gueuze beers are naturally and spontaneously fermented with high to very high levels of esters, plus bacterial and yeast-derived sourness that sometimes includes acetic flavors. Lambics are not blended, while the gueuze style blends old and new lambics which are re-fermented in the bottle. Historically, they are dry and completely attenuated, exhibiting no residual sweetness either from malt, sugar or artificial sweeteners. Sweet versions may be created through the addition of sugars or artificial sweeteners. - Another Beer Company You’ve Earned It
2020 has been a year of Mondays if you ask me. Sour beers have been my go-to for a couple years now and You’ve Earned It from Another Beer Company in New Westminster, British Columbia hits the soul right after a long day. Each batch has a different amount of coffee in it but I’ve never felt a buzz from this juicy sour. It’s refreshing on the palate and the soul. - Dynasty Brewing Tiny Dictator Bourbon Barrel Stout
Dang, this is one sumptuous beer. The Dynasty Brewing Co. Tiny Dictator Stout is aged 6 months in bourbon barrels with a little chocolate and vanilla thrown in. The bourbon is subtle; the chocolate is strong. The 13% abv is hidden away. Brewed in Ashburn, Virginia. Cheers. - Hardywood Brewing Kentucky Christmas Morning
Richmond’s Hardywood Park Craft Brewery produces a boatload of excellent beers from their Pils, Peach Tripel, to the Gingerbread Stout series. And for this type of list we have to feature one of these later – Hardywood Kentucky Christmas Morning. This beer starts by aging the original Gingerbread Stout in Kentucky bourbon barrels for several months and then cold filtering over freshly cracked locally roasted coffee beans. Think French Vanilla coffee over gingerbread. - Radeberger Pilsner
In contrast to the previous beer, often you long for a lighter more traditional beer as perhaps a thirst quencher or one that follows the Reinheitsgebot. In that case, reach for a Radeberger Pilsner. It’s clean, slightly bready, and a fresh balanced finish. - Brewery Ommegang Solera
This New York brewery seldom disappoints. This Solera is a tart golden ale crafted by Liefmans – their sister blenders in Belgium. Batches are fermented with mixed yeast cultures in open copper vats then aged for several months. Using a solera method approach, new batches are blended with older batches to achieve the proper balance between sweet and sour. Excellent. - Propolis Brewing Beltane
This Port Townsend brewery focuses on “Botanical Farmhouse Ales” like the Beltane which first showed on our radar at the 2017 SAVOR: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience. This Saison is infused with elderflowers and Brettanomyces and is as complex and wild as imagined. - Lewis and Clark Brewing Prickly Pear Pale Ale
This is a satisfying beer that provides plenty of hop character without throwing an IBU bomb down your throat. The barley is predominantly Montana grown and malted while the Cascade hops are added both in the kettle and during dry-hopping. This recipe promotes a strong citrus aroma that blends nicely with the fresh ale. - Uinta Brewing Hazy Nosh Hazy IPA
Located in the Crossroads of the West, Uinta distributes widely and the Hazy Nosh is easily found. The IPA exudes the tropics with an approachable bitterness as the mango and pineapple juices dominate.
11 Piping Pinots
- Jean-Claude Boisset
It is said that Pinot Noir has a thin skin, but this Bourgogne variation from JC Boisset is anything but fickle. What I like the most about this wine is how extremely well balanced it is. Carefully harvested from old vines within the Cote de Nuits. It delivers notes of Strawberries & Raspberries and the tannins are smooth and velvety on the palate.
(Rhett Moffat – Gone with the Wine) - Bruliam Gap’s Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017
According to founder/winemaker Kerith Overstreet, her dad told her she could “be whatever she wanted to be after medical school”… and so she did! After finishing her medical residency, she enrolled at UC Davis and catapulted into the wine world, and I’m so glad she did. Her single-vineyard Pinot Noirs are outstanding.
(Paige Comrie – Wine With Paige) - Gary Farrell Fort Ross Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017
Gary Farrell is by far one of my favorite producers across the board. They craft stunning single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that’s simply breathtaking. This particular bottle is full of earthy mushrooms and bright strawberries. I rang in my birthday with this wine!
(Paige Comrie – Wine With Paige) - Bodega Tapiz Wapisa Pinot Noir 2017
The Argentinean Los Acantilados Estate (San Javier, Atlantic Patagonia, Río Negro) is located very close to the Atlantic Ocean and at only 328 feet above sea level receives plenty of maritime cooling. It is also noted for its lime clay soils that lack organic matter. The proximity to the ocean is reflected in the drawing of a whale’s tail on the label. The wine is initially fruit-forward with red-berries then texture mid-palate finishing with firm yet approachable acids.
(BevFluence) - 45 North 2017 Pinot Noir
As its name suggests, Michigan’s 45 North Vineyard & Winery shares the 45 degree North latitude with Oregon, Burgundy, and other prominent grape growing regions — specifically those regions where Pinot Noir thrives. We discovered this wine through the BevFluence Experience Denver and it is delicious – full-bodied with luscious red fruit, various spices, and a firm yet very approachable finish.
(BevFluence) - Ektimo Pinot Noir 2014
In the last visit to a winery in early 2020 before the world changed forever I had the opportunity to visit Ektimo in Sonoma and it was grand. This pinot noir was excellent, exciting, and showed the brilliance of Sonoma pinot. Soft and subtle fruit with hints of mint and cherry.
(BevFluence) - Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir 2017
Who is not a fan of Oregon Pinot? Bring them to me.
(BevFluence) - Meadowcroft Pinot Noir 2014
What can’t you love about this Pinot? Clean and subtle oak with some cedar, forest floor, and graham cracker. This winery has always been known for quality and this wine nails it.
(BevFluence) - Pessagno 2009 Four Boys Vineyard
Still fruit there after 11 years. A solid wine with notes of bramble, licorice, and vanilla, with a lush currant still detectable. Enjoy this one with a steak believe it or not. We cannot wait to try the rest of the lineup.
(BevFluence) - Horse and Plow The Gardener Pinot Noir 2018
Silky with baking spice, cocoa and vanilla all in a flavor bomb that screams great pinot.
(BevFluence) - Rhys Vineyard 2011 BearWallow Vineyard Pinot Noir
This still holds up, with tons of bramble fruit and dry leaves. This wine is truly well made and looks like old burgundy tastes like it was made yesterday. Bramble as FUCK! This wine held up so well even for days after it was opened.
(BevFluence)
12 AVAs for drinking
- Pope Valley CA: Gamling & McDuck 2018 Henry Vineyard Chenin Blanc
These grapes are sourced from the Henry Vineyard in Pope Valley and the wine has citrus aromas on the nose with tropical fruit flavors mingling with notes of pear and apricot. The wine is medium-bodied wine and has an abv of 13.7 percent while staying bright and crisp.
(Joe Campbell – Sierra Wine Guy) - El Dorado CA: Skinner Vineyards 2018 Estate Mourvèdre
This wine is deep purple in color with flavors of dark cherry, brown sugar, and blueberry with a hint of spice on the finish. This wine feels balanced with its ABV of 13.8 percent, structured tannins, and bright acidity. The cuttings for this wine were brought to California in the 1860s in what was part of the Pellier Collection.
(Joe Campbell – Sierra Wine Guy) - Lodi CA: Acquiesce Winery 2019 Bourboulenc
The winery’s 2019 Bourboulenc is the first release of this grape as a single-varietal bottling in the US. There are apricot aromas with flavors of orange and ripe mango. This wine showcases great acidity with mineral characteristics on the finish. Pair this wine with a spicy Indian curry dish.
(Joe Campbell – Sierra Wine Guy) - Monticello VA: Virginia Petit Manseng
Our BevFluence team discovered the virtues of dry full-bodied Petit Manseng from #Virginia during the #BevFluenceExperience Denver. The 2018 Horton Vineyards Petit Manseng was awarded the Governor’s Cup whereas the 2018 Michael Shaps landed in the Governor’s Case Club top 12 wines. They have their differences but share a depth and mouthfeel closer to a barrel-fermented Chardonnay.
(BevFluence) - Grand Valley CO: BookCliff Vineyards 2015 Grand Valley Reserve Cabernet Franc
Another local find discovered through the #BevFluenceExperienceDenver and grown on vineyards located on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. This wine is fruit-forward, yet structured, firm tannins, and lacking the green vege character of many Other 46 Cabernet Francs.
(BevFluence) - Leelanau Peninsula MI: Aurora Cellars Cabernet Franc
Cab Franc is a truly one of a kind grape 🍇. The way that cool-climate cab franc taste is remarkable. This wine was by yet silky, chocolate, cedar, oak, lush bramble, and smooth tannins all at the same time.
(BevFluence) - Applegate Valley OR: 2018 Troon Vineyard Estate Vermentino, Kubli Bench, Applegate Valley
Foot treaded before pressed and fermented and resting on its lees for 6 months in mature French Oak Burgundy barrels. Enhanced aromatics and texture are readily apparent from this approach. There is also a noticeable saline or mineral character and bitter almonds. Finishes with refreshing acids
(BevFluence) - Texas High Plains: William Chris Vineyards 2018 Cinsault La Pradera
Floral, light-bodied with some strawberries but more sour cherries. Slightly herbaceous with easy tannins and light acids. Perhaps chill slightly in the heat of summer.
(BevFluence) - Finger Lakes NY: Fox Run Vineyards 2018 Simmons Vineyard Traminette
Special thanks to the New York Wine & Grape Foundation and their wine seminar “New York’s Heritage & Hybrid Wines with Carlo DeVito” for introducing us to this wine (although they featured the 2019, I found the 2018). Expect a tropical and melon aroma, complexity on the palate, lychee, stoney, viscosity, and acids matching the sugar.
(BevFluence) - Yakima Valley, WA: Mark Ryan Winery 2010 Lost Soul Syrah
Chocolate galore
(BevFluence) - Ozark Highlands MO: St. James Winery Winemaker Series Norton 42
This wine spoke to me at first swirl, sniff, and impactful sip! As with many Norton wines, the dusty terroir flowed along in the long finish but it was the ripples of bright dark fruits that created a silky elegant sip to savor. Holding its own, the wine pairs beautifully with rich deep chocolate cake.
(Maureen Blum – MoWino.Com) - Alexander Valley CA: Sutro Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Crafted by female winemaker, owner, and artist Alice Sutro, Sutro Wines are expressive of her family’s land and its unique terroir. Her Cabernet Sauvignon is stunning!
(Paige Comrie – Wine With Paige)
With love, respect and regards for the new year,
Todd, Jennifer and Justin
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