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Sam's Pick
DOMAINE DE BERNIER
CHARDONNAY
Can one be right and wrong at the same time? I was after I tasted this intriguing white for the first time. My immediate first impression was a Pouilly Fume from the Loire Valley because of the fruit flavors of lemon/lime and melon with a slight creamy texture accompanied by bright acidity and minerality. The uncertainty surfaced after my second taste. As the wine began to open it revealed notes of pear and apple with a steely backbone. Now I'm thinking this could be a Chablis. I had to know if I was correct in my assessment. Voila!! I soon discovered I was drinking a Chardonnay from the Loire Valley. I like to refer to this as an albatross because of its uniqueness. When you start to list all the white varietals from the region, Chardonnay most likely would be at the bottom, if at all. You see less than 3% of the 185,000 vineyard acres in the Loire Valley are dedicated to Chardonnay, and most doesn't leave the country. Needless to say this wine left a large impression, and one that I like to recommend. Pair this delicious and incredible value with pan seared scallops, salmon, swordfish, roasted chicken, goat cheese, salads or as a summer sipper.
Joey's Pick
VIGNOBLE DUFFOUR
COTES DE GASCOGNE
Gascony lies southeast of Bordeaux. It's the land that inspired such characters d'Artagnan and Cyrano de Bergerac, as well as the origins of Armagnac. We are pleased to offer this affordable Old World alternative to Sauvignon Blanc. Vines on the Duffour estate date back to the 1960s and have been farmed organically for much of that time. Fragrants of melon, zesty citrus, green apple, peach and fresh cut grass lift from the glass to present an inviting greeting. Light to medium body with crisp acidity will have to start to question whether this could be a Sauvignon Blanc. Another sip or two will reassure you that in fact it is not partly due to the slight herbaceous note and pleasingly clean dry finish. Pair this deliciously refreshing white with your spring and summer favorites including brie, chevre, white fish, seafood, chicken, salads and certainly as an aperitif. Hope you enjoy as much as we do.
Jimmy's Pick
MINE HILL DISTILLERY
BOURBON
Situated on a historical site in Roxbury, CT is a local distiller that started making spirits in 2018. The first thing that is remarkable about this whiskey is that the entire production is done on site and all of the ingredients are locally sourced. The mashbill has a slightly higher percentage of rye that highlights the light minty note. The second remarkable thing is the profile of the spirit's forthcoming with your first sip. Opens with a sweet richness that precedes a complex layering of spices. Aged in smaller quarter casks adds notes of vanilla and a warming presence. At 41 ABV, it's not your bold, dense and full-flavored style that many distillers have in their arsenal. Mine Hill delivers a spirit with flavor, character and balance that finishes smooth. Satisfying neat or used in your favorite cocktails like Old Fashioned, Boulvardier and Whiskey Sour.
Bryan's Pick
ABOMINATION
RARE FOG
Hailing from the annual celebration known as Rare Fog Day. A variant of their fog series, "Rare Fog" is a surprisingly smooth 10.5% abv. Brewed with golden promise and a heavy flaked wheat and oat malt bill. This combination provides a fluffy mouthfeel and helps with head retention. It is triple dry-hopped aggressively with Mosaic, Pacific Jade, Citra, Summit and a ridiculous amount of Galaxy. Leaves a dank and grassy first impression followed by juicy tropical fruit with distinctive dry hop flavor. A slight bitterness in the finish adds a nice balance. Perfect brew to close out the summer with!