Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2018 i Wine Enthusiast Magazine

Our editorial team is in the enviable position of having access to the best wine and food in the country, and their resounding sentiment for the year 2018 comes down to one word: diversity. Never has there been a more exciting time to experience what’s on the plate and in the glass in the restaurant space. Thoughtfully selected wine lists and menus that tap into the cultural mélange now available to chefs, somms and diners reign supreme, as do deep dives into the cuisines of places like Mexico, Portugal, France and beyond. This year’s annual list of America’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants (page 46) reflects the current richness of the country’s wine and food landscape, featuring eateries in which wine is a focus, and where, in our experiences, the…

For centuries, the region east of Brussels was renowned for witbiers, or “white beers,” cloudy and smooth from unmalted wheat. Spiced with orange peel and coriander, they were lightly tart, hugely aromatic and, by the late 1950s, extinct. Enter Pierre Celis, a milkman who, in 1965, began to brew witbier in his barn, in the Belgian village of Hoegaarden. His revival was a smash. A couple of decades later, a fire felled the brewery. Celis took loans from other breweries to rebuild. One pressured him to change his recipe, but he sold the business instead. He later took his family to Austin, Texas, where he opened a brewery in 1992, making witbier with yeast he smuggled in his socks. A decade later, unable to keep up with demand, the…

Two ancient traditions come together in an unexpected way: Saké, made from water, rice, koji (a type of mold) and yeast, is a perfect match for biblical kosher laws. In the mid-2000s, as the word “organic” was on everyone’s lips, a couple of breweries expanded upon the trend and adopted kosher standards to appeal to consumers who were looking for an added level of care or oversight in production. A few years later, kosher sakés from breweries like Kikusui debuted in places with large Jewish populations like Los Angeles. Demand grew quickly. Other breweries, seeing sales of kosher saké increase “20% year over year,” according to Toshio Ueno from importer Mutual Trading Company, soon followed suit. Along with its kosher-compatible ingredients, saké’s production practices align with kashrut regulations. Most…

Lamb from Sonoma County, California, is considered some of the best in the world, and it’s a favorite of Todd Knoll, chef at Jordan Vineyard & Winery in Healdsburg. A delicious alternative to the usual summer barbecue fare, Knoll’s lamb burgers can also be pan-fried in olive oil as keftedes (Greek meatballs) and served as part of a meze spread. LAMB KEFTEDES BURGERS Courtesy Todd Knoll, executive chef, Jordan Vineyard & Winery, Healdsburg, CA 1½ pounds ground lamb½ pound ground beef chuck1½ tablespoons fresh mint, fine-chopped1½ tablespoons fresh oregano, fine-chopped1 small onion, grated1 egg, lightly beaten2 teaspoons ground cuminSalt and pepper, to taste1 lemon, halvedPita or naanGreek Relish (recipe follows) Combine meats, mint, oregano, onion, egg and cumin gently with hands. Let rest 45 minutes. Shape into 6 patties.…

Independent Craft In this age of mergers, acquisitions and investments, it’s increasingly difficult to tell which brands still qualify as craft brewers. The Brewers Association, a trade group that represents small and independent American operations, defines a craft brewer as having an annual production of six million barrels of beer or less, with ownership or control by a non-craft brewer or brewing company limited to a maximum of 25%, and one that uses traditional flavors and fermentation techniques. To help guide conscientious consumers, the group unveiled an official BA Independent Craft Brewer Seal in June 2017 for its members to use. The “craft” mindset might have overrun the industry, but this insignia makes it easier to identify and support small, traditional and independent craft brewers; more than 3,200 craft…

It almost sounds like a prompt on the Master of Wine exam: Discuss which of the world’s wine regions produces excellent Barbera, outstanding Malbec, edgy Vermentino, meaty, peppery Mourvèdre and richly tannic Tempranillo. The answer is California—but not the California you’re probably thinking of. Quality winemaking in the Golden State is oft en misconstrued as the provenance only of Napa, Sonoma and the Central Coast. However, numerous wine regions exist outside the limelight that are pushing the envelope with relatively obscure grape varieties. This issue’s Buying Guide includes 188 reviews from the state’s outsider appellations including Mendocino and Lake counties in the north, Amador and El Dorado counties in the Sierra Foothills, and Livermore Valley on the fringe of the San Francisco Bay Area. Numerous wine regions exist outside…

CABERNET SAUVIGNON 94 Calcu 2010 Futa Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua Valley). This dark, smoky, well-aged Cabernet Sauvignon has an upfront bouquet of smooth berry fruit, spice and fine herb aromas. Its plush and powerful palate is home to wild berry, plum and spice flavors. Firm into the finish, it’s a well-built heavyweight ready to drink through 2028. Global Vineyard Importers. Editors’ Choice. —M.S. abv: 14% Price: $65 91 Undurraga 2015 T.H. Terroir Hunter Alto Maipo Cabernet Sauvignon (Maipo Valley). For full review see page 105. abv: 13.5% Price: $30 90 Viña Casablanca 2015 Nimbus Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Maipo Valley). This wine’s tobacco, mint, baking spice and licorice aromas accent its baked black fruit scents. The palate is full and chunky yet balanced, whith herbal blackberry, chocolaty oak and baking…

RIBERA DEL DUERO 94 García Figuero 2014 Milagros de Figuero (Ribera del Duero). For full review see page 98. Editors’ Choice. abv: 14.5% Price: $100 93 García Figuero 2014 Noble (Ribera del Duero). This wine’s heady coffee and mocha aromas come at you off the bat, followed by roasted black fruit scents that scream of many months in new oak. Its cedary berry and cocoa flavors sizzle with lemony acidity, framed by firm tannins. It finishes ripe and hot. Drink through 2040. Quintessential Wines. Cellar Selection. —M.S. abv: 14.5% Price: $162 93 Resalte 2012 Lecco Reserva (Ribera del Duero). This wine’s berry aromas are unencumbered by toasty oak. The palate is saturated and fruity, with well-formed blackberry and dark plum flavors. It’s steady, firm and long on the finish.…

PINOT BLANC 93 Friedrich Becker 2016 Kalkgestein Weisser Burgunder (Pfalz). Vibrant white grapefruit and gooseberry flavors in this Weissburgunder, or Pinot Blanc, are highlighted by zesty lime and lemon acidity. It’s dry and full in body, but boasts a racy citrus lift on the midpalate and a lingering chalky finish. Its fresh fruity appeal is ideal now but should hold well through 2023. Rudi Wiest Selections. —A.I. abv: 13% Price: $40 93 Rudolf Fürst 2016 Pur Mineral Weissburgunder (Franken). The name “Pur Mineral” is an apt descriptor for this intensely mineral wine full of dusty slate and river rock complexities. It’s luminously fruity too offering pristine Muscat grape and pear accented by a hint of exotic spice. It is dry in style yet rich and expansive in mouthfeel. Rudi…

WHITE WINES 88 Korta Katarina 2016 Posip (Korcula). Lemon blossom, wet river rock and green apple aromas lead the way to flavors of crisp apple, melon and freshly sliced honeydew. This wine is balanced by crisp, with a clean, refreshing finish. Katharine’s Garden LLC. —J.J. abv: 13.5% Price: $28 87 Casic 2015 100% Organic 100% Unforgettable Graševina (Croatia). This wine shows aromas of apple blossom and gooseberry. On the palate there are flavors of yellow peach and apricot before the ripe finish. Divine Imports LLC. —J.J. abv: 13.3% Price: $28 86 Casic 2015 100% Organic 100% Unforgettable Sauvignon (Croatia). Green apple and fresh gooseberry aromas lead to a palate of star fruit, apple and peach. The finish is pleasantly sweet. Divine Imports LLC. —J.J. abv: 13.7% Price: $28 86…

SAPERAVI 91 Lukasi 2014 Saperavi (Kakheti). This wine offers aromas of black plum and smoke. Flavors of black cherry, bacon and oregano are joined by a vein of cranberry just prior to the long finish. While the tannins feel a bit grippy at first sip, a sense of brightness prevails across the entire palate. Georgian House of Greater Washington, LLC. —M.D. abv: 12.8% Price: $45 91 Mildiani 2012 Saperavi (Kakheti). This inky garnet colored wine offers aromas of black currant and fennel bulb. Forest berry flavors are joined by notes of pomegranate, cured meat and thyme, with a sophisticated sense of smokiness across the palate. Firm tannins are interrupted by a splash of cranberry on the finish. Georgian House of Greater Washington, LLC. —M.D. abv: 12.5% Price: $45 91…

There are few things as dynamic, engaging and provocative as a bottle of wine. Contained in that bottle are the blood, sweat and tears of the hundreds of people involved in its production. The fact that it ages and has its own life cycle sets it apart from just about any other beverage. But it’s what can occur between individuals who share a special bottle that makes it so intriguing. Just to be clear, I’m not advocating overindulgence. However, it sometimes takes more than just a sip, or even a glass, to open the doors of communication and set the human spirit free. Often, the last sip of wine is the best. It can take some time for a wine to open up and reach its full potential. But…

YOUR CHEAT SHEET TO CELLARING WINE Sip or save? Spotting collectible wines may seem daunting, but fear not—help is here with our simple guide to 10 ageworthy styles perfect for your cellar. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COOL AND WARM CLIMATE WINE One of the most important aspects of growing grapes is climate. Find out whether you prefer wines produced in warm or cool environments to help better select your next bottle. GET TO KNOW AUSTRIA’S WINE REGIONS Learn more about Vienna, Wachau and beyond, with this guide to the regions of Austria. WINE FAULTS AND HOW TO RECOGNIZE THEM Is your wine corked? Oxidized? Plain over-the-hill? Discover the signs of common wine faults and which characteristics are oft en mistaken for them. VAGUE WINE TASTING TERMS AND WHAT THEY REALLY…

New Orleans restaurant Sac-a-Lait gives the classic French 75 cocktail the same hyper-regional treatment the rest of the menu receives. Bar Manager Norton Christopher, who grew up on a 32-acre farm in northwest Louisiana, uses produce grown in the venue’s on-site garden to bring fresh flavor to the mix. That means the drink can vary depending on what’s in peak season—it may be juicy watermelon one week, abundant fresh blueberries the next. He also emphasizes local products, such as Euphrosine Gin #9 and El Guapo Bitters, both made in New Orleans. To stay true to the spirit of this cocktail, consider adjusting this template to fit what’s grown or made in your area. SEASONAL 75 Courtesy Norton Christopher, bar manager, Sac-a-Lait, New Orleans 2 ounces gin, preferably Euphrosine Gin…

A16 San Francisco a16pizza.com Auberge du Soleil Rutherford, CA aubergedusoleil.aubergeresorts.com The Barn at Blackberry Farm Townsend, TN blackberryfarm.com/wine-food/dinner/barn Bern’s Steak House Tampa, FL bernssteakhouse.com Blackbird Chicago blackbirdrestaurant.com Blue Hill at Stone Barns Pocantico Hills, NY bluehillfarm.com/dine/stone-barns Canlis Seattle canlis.com The Catbird Seat Nashville thecatbirdseatrestaurant.com Commander’s Palace New Orleans commanderspalace.com Crabtree’s Kittle House Chappaqua, NY kittlehouse.com Craigie on Main Cambridge, MA craigieonmain.com Daniel New York City danielnyc.com Deseo Scottsdale, AZ kierlandresort.com/#/dining/deseo/ Element 47 at The Little Nell Aspen, CO thelittlenell.com/dining/element-47 Eleven Madison Park New York City elevenmadisonpark.com Fiola di Fabio Trabocchi Washington fioladc.com Five & Ten Athens, GA fiveandten.com Frasca Food and Wine Boulder, CO frascafoodandwine.com The French Laundry Yountville, CA thomaskeller.com/tfl FT33 Dallas ft33dallas.com Gramercy Tavern New York City gramercytavern.com The Herbfarm Seattle, WA theherbfarm.com L’Etoile Restaurant Madison, WI…

Though the West Coast is largely considered the focal point of America’s wine industry, fortunes throughout the rest of the country have improved exponentially in recent years. Winemakers nationwide have taken up the challenge of identifying underappreciated locales and crafting innovative, quality wines. In unlikely places like New Mexico, Michigan, Texas and Vermont, renegade winemakers produce world-class bottlings and prove that there’s still much to discover about American wine. “We built William Chris Vineyards off the idea that wine is not made, it is grown.” Chris Brundrett Winegrower/Co-founder, William Chris Vineyards Hye, TX Chris Brundrett took a traditional path to winemaking. At Texas A&M University, he majored in horticulture with a minor in entomology, and he managed the school’s vineyard. One day, he had the opportunity to visit a…

PINOT NOIR 94 Domaine Serene 2015 Côte Sud Vineyard Pinot Noir (Dundee Hills). This stellar vintage of Côte Sud enwraps its bold red fruit in delicious barrel toast and spices. The acids remain unobtrusive yet provide impeccable balance, and the tannins are ripe and polished, redolent of black olive and breakfast tea. The wine develops more nuances as it breathes, finishing with a lovely streak of root beer. Editors’ Choice. —P.G. abv: 14.5% Price: $100 94 Domaine Serene 2015 Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley). This reserve is an excellent representation of the 2015 vintage. Firm, supple and loaded with brambly purple fruit, it carries a pleasing touch of fruit sweetness. It rolls gracefully into a tight finish, with layers of herb, earth, blueberry, black cherry and brown spice…

PINOT GRIS / PINOT GRIGIO 91 Holm Oak 2016 Pinot Gris (Tasmania). From Tasmania’s Tamar Valley, this fleshy, medium-bodied Pinot Gris (indicating the Alsatian rather than Italian style) sees 20% fermented with native yeasts, and this make all the difference, adding heaps of interest and layers. The heady nose is a deep well of aromas like honeyed pear, yeasty apple, peach, jasmine and cherry blossom. It’s dry yet rich with a fleshy skins-y texture and a long tangy finish that begs for another sip. Drink with buttery shellfish or on its own. Hudson Wine Brokers. Editors’ Choice. —C.P. abv: 13.4% Price: $25 89 Henschke 2016 Innes Vineyard Pinot Gris (Adelaide Hills). This wine ain’t cheap when compared to others on the market, and it’s clearly relying on its famous…

GEWURZTRAMINER 95 Domaine Zind-Humbrecht 2016 Clos Windsbuhl Gewurztraminer (Alsace). An intense note of fir honey dominates the nose. The concentration and accuracy of that flavor, with its customary sweet bitterness, are astonishing. Underneath this, notions of ripe orange and candied citrus show on a very fluid, almost oily palate. Vivid lemon freshness stands against it and creates a sharp, delicious focus. This wine delivers an arresting juxtaposition of luscious richness and uncompromisingly sharp detail. Drink 2020–2035. Kobrand. —A.K. abv: 13% Price: $80 93 Domaine Weinbach 2016 Cuvée Laurence Gewurztraminer (Alsace). For full review see page 100. abv: 13.5% Price: $40 93 Emile Beyer 2015 Eguisheim Gewurztraminer (Alsace). Peach, apricot and intense notions of blood-orange zest make for a perfumed, alluring nose. The palate holds on to these enticing aromatics,…

CHASSELAS 90 Cave de la Côte 2016 Morges Vieilles Vignes Chasselas (La Côte). This straw colored wine has aromas of lemon pith, green apple and espresso. The well-balanced palate brings flavors of caffé latte, caramel apple and pear that lead to a smooth finish. Swiss Cellars. —J.J. abv: 12% Price: $29 90 Domaine de Montmollin 2016 Chasselas (Neuchâtel). This straw colored wine has aromas of lemon rind, lime and citrus blossom. The palate is round in feel, with flavors of lemon zest and green apple that lead to a pleasantly crisp finish. Swiss Cellars. —J.J. abv: 11.5% Price: $32 90 Les Frères Dubois 2016 La Braise d’Enfer Epesses Chasselas (Lavaux). This generous, full-bodied wine has aromas of hyacinth, green apple and wet slate. The palate offers delightful flavors of…

FURMINT 91 Barta 2015 Öreg Kiraly Dulo Mád Furmint (Tokaj). Aromas of ripe pineapple, peach, honey comb and acacia flowers draw you in to this enticingly complex, dry Furmint. On the palate, there are delightful flavors of freshly sliced yellow peach and canned apricots. It is well balanced, with a slight touch of sweetness on the finish. New Wines of Hungary Inc. —J.J. abv: 13.4% Price: $39 90 Erzsébet Pince 2016 Estate Dry Furmint (Tokaj). This dry Furmint has delightful aromas of jasmine, apple blossom and gooseberry. On the palate, there are flavors of white peach, lemon, lime and apricot. There is a touch of salinity on the crisp finish. Swirl Wine Brokers. —J.J. abv: 13% Price: $NA 90 Gróf Degenfeld 2016 Dry Furmint (Tokaj). This straw colored wine…

Although Old Tom-style gins have existed for centuries, for U.S. consumers, 2018 marks 10 years of this sweeter style gin, which is oft en marked with a black tomcat on the label. Old Tom gins pre-date the juniper-accented London dry gins and tend to be more robust and lightly sweetened. Yet, during the Second World War, production waned, and by the 1950s, some producers in the UK stopped making Old Toms altogether. On this side of the Atlantic, tastes had switched to leaner, ultra-dry gins. Quietly, Old Toms had vanished completely from U.S. shelves. It took the mid-2000s cocktail renaissance and interest in Golden Age cocktails to bring it back. Experts discovered that it was impossible to accurately re-create the Martinez (Old Tom, sweet vermouth, Maraschino liqueur) and other…

A vast region, Southwest France stretches from the Atlantic coast in the west towards the Mediterranean sea to the east, bordering the Bordeaux region to the north and the Pyrenees mountain range to the south. This historic yet dynamic area is made up of a multitude of landscapes, soil types and grape varieties. It features familiar names like Merlot, Tannat and Cabernet Franc, but it’s also famous in wine circles for its ancient viticultural rarities: Petit Manseng, Gros Manseng, Braucol, Négrette and Prunelard are some of the less-common indigenous gems found here. Truly fascinating, deeply diverse and steeped in history, it’s no wonder Southwest France was singled out as Wine Enthusiast’s 2017 Wine Region of the Year. Wines: Dry, crisp, aromatic whites with citrus and exotic fruit notes (some…

Nothing beats a tree-ripened peach eaten out of hand. But as they flood markets in August—National Peach Month—it’s never been a better time to try other permutations. In savory dishes, they have a natural affinity with ginger, nuts, dairy, basil and citrus. Try peach salsas and relishes, or blend them with toasted almonds and buttermilk to make a cold soup. They’re also a great addition to a salad of heirloom tomatoes and fresh ricotta, or you can tuck peach slices into a country ham sandwich for a double-shot of the South. Halved and grilled, they’re a super summer side dish. —Nils Bernstein PAIR IT Muscat, Riesling, Albariño, Viognier, warm-climate Chardonnay and South African Chenin Blanc all commonly exhibit peach character, but you don’t always want a peachy pairing, says…

Following a wine trail around Old Dominion is an ideal way to sample local offerings while taking in the charming, colonial scenery. But there’s more to this countryside than grapevines and history. Check out these kooky pit stops as you taste your way along the Virginia wine hop. HAMPTON ROADS Notable Wineries: Hampton Roads Winery, New Kent Winery, Upper Shirley Vineyards, Williamsburg Winery Just like fine wine, ham can improve with age. So complement your tasting trip with a visit to the world’s oldest edible ham, on display at the Isle of Wight County Museum in Smithfield. The meat was misplaced soon after being cured in 1902 by Gwaltney Foods. Pembroke D. Gwaltney Jr. discovered it two decades later, dressed it in a collar and called it his pet…

On these long, hot, outdoor days, I encourage you to drink your whites and rosés straight from the refrigerator. My yard needed a lot of work this year. It was hot, dirty and laborious, the type of job I’d normally punctuate with a frosty-cold beer. Except that wasn’t what I craved. I wanted something with good acidity, bright fruit, maybe some herbal notes, nothing sweet. I wanted wine, and I wanted it cold. It’s well drilled into my head that white wine and rose, depending on weight and style, should be served 45–55°F, and reds 55–65°F. But who would know if I broke the rules in my own home? What’s the harm? So I took an ice-cold can of Riesling out of the fridge, poured a little into a…

Smooth, versatile vodka makes an ideal canvas for cocktails. From pristine martinis to drinks that showcase seasonal fruit or fresh-picked herbs, the spirit plays well with other flavors. For those ready to move beyond the usual suspects, here are five kicked-up sippers to try that feature cool, crisp vodka—perfect for summertime enjoyment. We’ve encouraged the bartenders included to call out their preferred brands in each recipe, but feel free to substitute your favorite selection, or check winemag.com/vodkarecs for a list of recommended bottles. Simply Put Some of these recipes call for simple syrup—it’s easy to make, we promise. Stir together equal parts hot water and sugar in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Allow to cool. The syrup can be stored in a refrigerator up to two weeks. Strawberry…

CABERNET SAUVIGNON 93 Waters 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon (Washington). The aromas in this 100% varietal Cabernet Sauvignon from Cold Creek and Stone Tree vineyards rise out of the glass, suggesting scorched earth, dried herb, graphite, flint, cassis and cherry. It has bright but balanced acidity to support its fruit flavors, with green pepper and cherry notes that linger on the finish. It’s flat-out delicious and exceptionally balanced. Put it on the dinner table and watch it shine. Editors’ Choice. —S.S. abv: 14.5% Price: $50 89 Cloudlift Cellars 2015 Cloud 2 Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley). This new offering from Cloudlift Cellars was made predominantly from old vines at Bacchus Vineyard. The aroma shows notes of herb, cedar, plum and blueberry. It’s full of elegant blue fruit flavors that coat the palate,…

VINHO VERDE 90 Adega Cooperativa Ponte de Barca 2017 Estreia Reserva Alvarinho (Vinho Verde). Made from grapes sourced in Moncão and Melgaço, at the northern frontier of Portugal, this wine is rich with creamed apple character and rounded, full texture. Generous and ripe, it could age another few months. Drink from 2019. Wine Bridge Imports. —R.V. abv: 13% Price: $NA 90 Borges 2017 Alvarinho (Vinho Verde). Ripe, dense and creamy, this rich wine comes from the northern part of the Vinho Verde region. It’s full in the mouth, with a good mix of citrus and white peach flavors. Let it age a little and drink from 2019. JMV USA. Best Buy. —R.V. abv: 13.5% Price: $14 90 Quinta da Calçada 2016 Reserva (Vinho Verde). Oak aging makes this an…

SAUVIGNON BLANC 89 Gérard Bertrand 2017 Perles de Sauvignon Blanc (Pays d’Oc). A new, fresh and vibrant wine from the powerhouse Languedoc producer, this boasts abundant aromas of green plum, gooseberry, orange rind and garrigue herbs. The lightweight palate is clean and refreshing, with a mouthwatering citrus verve to the close. USA Wine West. —L.B. abv: 12% Price: $19 87 Domaine de la Baume 2016 Les Mariés Sauvignon Blanc (Pays d’Oc). This wine is incredibly floral upfront, with intense aromas of rose and jasmine that sit atop the tropical fruit core. The palate offers more of those ripe fruit tones that are complemented by pineapple acidity and a sweet grass accent. Drink now. Vintus LLC. —L.B. abv: 13% Price: $13 86 La Forge Estate 2016 Sauvignon Blanc (Languedoc). Faint…

SICILIA BIANCO 90 Donnafugata 2017 Sur Sur Grillo (Sicilia). Grapefruit, white stone fruit and Mediterranean herb aromas lead the way along with a scent reminiscent of tomato leaf. Bright and juicy, the medium-bodied palate doles out pineapple, white peach and sage set against crisp acidity. A saline note tops it off. Folio Fine Wine Partners. —K.O. abv: 13% Price: $21 90 Tasca d’Almerita 2017 Mozia Grillo (Sicilia). Intriguing aromas of Spanish broom, citrus and Mediterranean brush lift from the glass. The fresh savory palate delivers juicy lemon, ripe pear, crushed herb and white pepper alongside tangy acidity. It closes on a saline note. Dalla Terra Winery Direct. Editors’ Choice.—K.O. abv: 13.5% Price: $22 89 Cottanera 2015 Barbazzale (Sicilia). A blend of Viognier and Catarratto, this fragrant white offers intense…

RED WINES 87 Stone Castle 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon (Rahoveci Valley). This ruby colored Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of cherry and cinnamon, with flavors of black cherry and black plum. The tannins are smooth and pleasant. U.S. Stone Castle Imports. Best Buy. —J.J. abv: 13% Price: $6 87 Stone Castle 2015 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Rahoveci Valley). This garnet colored wine has aromas of black plum, cherry and leather. The palate is bolstered by smooth tannins, with flavors of ripe cherry and black plum. U.S. Stone Castle Imports. —J.J. abv: 13.8% Price: $15 86 Stone Castle 2015 Merlot (Rahoveci Valley). Ruby in the glass, this wine has aromas of freshly baked cherry pie and red plum. On the palate, there are flavors of cherry preserves and black plum. U.S. Stone Castle…

Many people draw a hard line when it comes to fruit beers—you either love them or hate them. But thanks to all of the recent innovation and experimentation within the category, from different base beers to real-fruit additives and varying aging techniques, it’s now hard to take such a definitive stance. As an overall style, fruit beers are loosely defined. Sure, they should see some fruit addition, but beyond that, there’s not much to really typify them. The style of base beer to which the fruit is added can vary widely, from lagers and wheat beers to IPAs, stouts and beyond. Because of the wide assortment of fruits and base beers used, today’s selections offer something for most palates, running the gamut from nuanced to in-your-face fruitiness, and just…