Caol Ila 12 Year
$99.99
The most overlooked of all the peated heavyweights, despite the fact that it out-produces all of them by a substantial margin, Caol Ila (pronounced 'cull-eela') is a not-so-hidden gem for malt lovers. It is a sister distillery to Lagavulin (and Port Ellen!) and produces whisky with the same level of phenols as Lag, though generally speaking Caol Ila is a tick more delicate. The distillery's general profile is usually fairly citrus-driven, with a strong maritime influence and clean herbal notes. The 12 year old is an icon, but if you ever get a chance to walk up the age-stated range into the 20s and 30s, do not pass up the opportunity.
43% abv
Producer Tasting Note
Nose: Subdued, citric fruitiness; a whiff of bath oil and dentist's mouthwash. A fresh and appetising nose, with little or no trace of smoke.
Palate: Drinks well at natural strength; sweet start; pleasant, light fragrant smokiness and a lengthy finish.
Finish: Sweet smokiness in the lingering, slightly sour finish.
Ridge Three Valleys Zinfandel
$62.99
89 points from Antonio Galloni, vinous.com for the 2014 vintage! The review: "The 2014 Three Valleys, Ridge's entry-level Zinfandel-based red, is a delicious, value-priced red to drink young, while the fruit remains vibrant. Sweet floral notes and a burst of spiciness round out the 2014 edition."
Quinta do Crasto Douro
$24.99
On the right bank of the Douro River, between Régua and Pinhão, lies Quinta do Crasto, a 135-hectare estate, 74 of which are planted to vines. The property benefits from the prime conditions of this privileged location in the Cima Corgo region and produces premium and super premium Douro and Porto wines from grapes coming from some of the oldest and most historic vines in the Douro. This wine is made from traditional Douro red grape varieties: Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barroca and Touriga Franca. The tannins have been toned down to produce a fresh, easy-drinking Douro red.
Arran Robert Burns Blended Scotch Whisky
$29.99
The Robert Burns Blended Scotch Whisky is produced by the Isle of Arran Distillers. Bottled at 40% ABV.
Ruinart Blanc de Blancs
$179.99
Champagne! And 89 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, too. The review: "The NV Brut Blanc de Blancs is a great introduction to the house style. This elegant, fragrant wine offers up an array of smoke, toastiness, minerals, ripe pears and flowers. The medium-bodied NV Blanc de Blancs offers tons of clarity and precision at this level, with the lingering Ruinart sweetness on the finish. Ruinart is Champagne’s oldest house, with a history that dates back to 1729."
Glengoyne 21 Year 700ml
$299.99
Formerly the oldest whisky in the distillery's core range, it is heavily influenced by sherry, matured entirely in first and refill European oak seasoned with sherry. Big, rich and sophisticated malt, bottled at 43%.
Gentleman Jack Tennessee Whiskey
$43.99
Gentleman Jack from the Jack Daniel's Distillery of Tennessee is the smoother, kinder version of JD that you may be looking for. What set's it apart is the fact that it is "Double Charcoal Mellowed". This means that Gentlman Jack undergoes the Lincoln County Process twice - being filtered through sugar maple charcoal both before it is poured in to barrel for maturation and again right before it is bottled. 40%.
Ruinart Rose Brut
$161.99
The history of Ruinart rosé, the very first rosé champagne to make its appearance, dates back to the 18th century. While Ruinart rosé champagne first appeared over 250 years ago, its excellent quality remains the essential feature of the production of this delicate wine to this day. 45% of the chardonnay is from the Côtes des Blancs and Montagne de Reims vineyards. 55% of the pinot noir is from the Montagne de Reims and the Vallée de la Marne vineyards, 18 to 19% of which has been made into red wine. 20 to 25% coming from reserve wines from the 2 previous years. The nose is subtle and fresh, first offering an original palette of tropical fruits (guava and lychee) and small berries (raspberries, cherries and wild strawberries) in the first instance. On the palate, the attack is distinct and full, cradled by a gentle effervescence. Freshly picked berries are delightfully expressed and the balance brings together a beautiful freshness and voluptuous body, expressed by an elegant bracing touch of mint and pink grapefruit.
Veuve Clicquot Vintage Champagne
$131.99
Beautiful vintage Veuve!