Once upon a time, Carmín de Peumo was your typical ripe and beefy Carmenère, but not here. This offering, harvested in late May (the equivalent of November in the Northern Hemisphere), deals tomato leaf, currant, cranberry and dried-herb aromas in front of a racy palate that's medium in weight. Spicy, leafy red-fruit flavors are oaky and come with notes of cocoa and coffee, while a dry and snappy finish is lean by previously set Carmenère standards.

~Michael Schachner

This is a juicy wine, with dense black fruits that are cut by bright acidity. The tannins give power and long-term aging potential to this impressive wine. Drink from 2028. Roger Voss

Nose: Intense aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, and plum, with hints of cedar, tobacco, and vanilla.

Taste: Rich and full-bodied, with flavors of ripe black fruits, dark chocolate, and a touch of spice.

Palate: Well-structured with firm tannins, balanced acidity, and a long, lingering finish.

Nose: Aromas of ripe red cherries, strawberries, and hints of cranberry. Subtle notes of earthiness and a touch of spice.

Taste: Bright and vibrant flavors of red berries, particularly cherries and raspberries. Delicate floral undertones with a hint of vanilla. Soft tannins and a refreshing acidity.

Palate: Medium-bodied with a smooth and silky texture. Well-balanced with a lingering finish of red fruit and a touch of spice.

This intense dark amber spirit exhibits ochre and reddish tones, presenting a perfectly clean, bright, and translucent appearance with reddish hues. Its impressive adherence in the glass is highlighted by legs and tears of great body. On the nose, it offers a very pleasant and smooth experience, unveiling a gamut of aromas ranging from fruity and sweet notes to cooked agave, vanilla, prune, chocolate, and toasted almonds, with subtle hints of apricot and tobacco impeccably balanced by oak, reflecting its lengthy maturation. The palate is smooth, well-balanced, and complex, featuring flavors of bitter chocolate, dry fruits, berries, light tobacco, and spices, culminating in a lengthy and persistent finish. Surprisingly elegant, harmonious, and balanced, it leaves a subtle hint of toasted almonds, leather, and tobacco lingering on the palate.

This ripe wheat Tequila presents itself as clean and transparent, boasting great brilliance and golden sparkles along with a greenish hue. Its slow cup runoff and medium-high body add to its allure. The aroma is intense with citrus notes of lemon leaf, green fruit reminiscent of pear and pineapple, and a touch of vanilla. Deeper tones of dry leaves like Laurel and snuff, along with hints of bread crust and honey, add complexity, while the retro nose reveals nuances of pink pepper, orange peel, and sweet cinnamon. On the palate, it delivers a sweet and slightly sapid taste with remarkable minerality, moderate acidity, and no bitterness. Its excellent flavor profile makes it an ideal pairing for chocolate and vanilla desserts.

Crafted from 100% Blue Agave and aged for three years in new French Oak barrels, this spirit boasts a 40% ABV. Its appearance reveals a bright amber hue with an orange tint, showcasing a strong body and slow-forming legs. The initial aromas captivate with hints of butter and ripe fruits, complemented by notes of chocolate, toasted almond, and intense hazelnut, along with nuances of rye bread crust and red flowers. On the palate, it offers a balance of natural sweetness and savory notes, accompanied by light acidity. Ideally suited for pairing with fatty meats and poultry, this expression promises a delightful culinary experience.

Nose: Intense aromas of blackberries, plums, and dark chocolate.
Taste: Rich and full-bodied with flavors of ripe black fruits, hints of spice, and a touch of vanilla.
Palate: Smooth and velvety texture, well-integrated tannins, and a long, lingering finish.

Black in the glass and dense with aromas of cooked blueberry, vanilla, maple syrup, brown sugar, tar, fudge and fresh purple flowers, this wine takes ripeness and concentration to impressive heights. Lavish on the palate with sticky, grippy tannins, the flavors of blueberry fudge, cola, black pepper and lavender are bold and delicious.

Broken Barrel Whiskey Co., founded by Seth Benhaim, finds its inspiration in experimentation with used barrels, including Bourbon, French oak, and Spanish sherry casks. The company's innovative "Oak Bill" trademark involves breaking down barrel staves and infusing them into the whiskey for finishing. Featuring a mash bill of 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley, their expression showcases a unique blend of 80% Central Coast Cabernet staves and 20% New French Oak staves. On the nose, expect notes of vanilla, freshly-cut straw, and subtle oak. The palate offers a continuation of vanilla alongside red berry sweetness, with a hint of rye spiciness emerging on the back palate. Surprisingly, the finish is short and spicy, with minimal tannin dryness often associated with Cabernet casks.

The nose is fruity and offers power as well as a fine grain. It reveals notes of fleshy blackberry, raspberry and small notes of cornflower associated with fine touches of crushed cassis as well as hints of grey pepper, graphite, sweet spices and discreet hints of sanguine orange. The palate is fruity, well-balanced and offers a juicy/acidulous frame as well as a fine tension. On the palate this wine expresses notes of fleshy cassis, crunchy/juicy raspberry and small notes of juicy/acidulous strawberry associated with small touches of violet, cornflower as well as fine hints of chocolate, caramelization and a subtle hint of dry fig/citrus. Good length. Good persistence with fine notes of fresh nut and toasted hazelnut.

Smells a bit musty and earthy, with hints of mint and a whiff of cherries. The texture is lovely, just what you want in a Sonoma Pinot: silky, soft and seductive. If only there were more going on with the flavors besides oak.

Nose: Dark fruits, blackberries, blueberries, and hints of black pepper.
Taste: Rich and concentrated flavors of black cherry, plum, and dark chocolate.
Palate: Full-bodied with velvety tannins, balanced acidity, and a long, lingering finish.

Elegant, yet still brimming in meaty tannins, this wine offers deftness on entry, diving deeper into blueberry cobbler and baked bread as it goes. On the nose, roses and cinnamon entice, while mid-weight oak and licorice pull in more savory directions.

CÎROC Peach is masterfully infused with a distinctive blend of peach and other natural flavours, resulting in a taste experience that is juicy and succulent with the hint of peach flavour and orchard fruit.

Nose: Rich and sweet with notes of toffee, honey, and vanilla. Hints of dried fruits and a subtle spiciness.

Taste: Smooth and creamy with flavors of caramel, butterscotch, and dark chocolate. A touch of cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth and complexity.

Palate: Full-bodied and luscious, with a velvety mouthfeel. The sweetness continues, accompanied by flavors of raisins, figs, and a gentle oakiness. The finish is long and satisfying, with a lingering sweetness and a hint of spice.

Blackberry, anise and leather aromas form the best power trio since the Jimi Hendrix Experience. You also can't beat the Dead Horse's boysenberry gelato and bittersweet dark chocolate flavors. Additional notes of thyme and fennel provide support, along with elegant, silky tannins and bright acidity.

Nose: Rich caramel, vanilla, and honeycomb with hints of toasted oak and cinnamon.

Taste: Spicy rye kick with notes of black pepper, cloves, and nutmeg. Sweet flavors of toffee, butterscotch, and dark chocolate.

Palate: Smooth and creamy mouthfeel with a warming sensation. Lingering flavors of caramelized sugar, toasted grains, and a touch of smokiness.

This single malt whisky, distilled at Milton, now known as Strathisla, holds the distinction of being the oldest distillery in Speyside. Distilled in 1949, this remarkable expression spent an astounding 72 years maturing in a first fill sherry puncheon before being meticulously bottled by Gordon & MacPhail in 2022 at a dignified 48.6% ABV. Upon nosing, the whisky unveils a captivating array of aromas, including baked forest fruits, fresh vanilla, and a rich influence of sherry, setting the stage for an enticing palate experience. Upon tasting, one is greeted with flavors reminiscent of apple pie, vibrant citrus notes, and indulgent caramel. The finish lingers gracefully, leaving impressions of toffee apple and a subtle hint of smoke, further enhancing the whisky's complexity and depth.

Fragrant mandarin peel and rich Sherry aromas intertwine, followed by notes of salted almonds, raspberry compote, and a hint of malted biscuit. Roasted coffee beans transition into walnuts and stewed raisins, while blackcurrant jam harmonizes with Seville orange peel and red apple. The palate concludes with a long finish marked by lingering hazelnuts and cocoa powder.

Glenburgie is emerging as one of my preferred Speyside distilleries due to its consistent delivery of tropical fruit notes, a characteristic that particularly appeals to my palate. The 21 years of maturation in this distillery-label bottling from Gordon & MacPhail are expected to enhance these flavors. At 46% ABV and aged for at least 21 years, this expression promises to showcase the distinctive Glenburgie profile. Despite initial impressions of stale sulfur and mustiness on the nose, accompanied by earthy and grassy undertones, familiar Glenburgie characteristics of apples, peaches, tropical fruit, and honey emerge. The palate reveals a medium texture with flavors of honey, peaches, lemongrass, and elderflower, leading to an intriguing development of fragrant oak, ripe mango, and subtle sulfurous notes. The finish, medium in length, offers layers of sweetness with caramel, honey, chocolate, and fruity accents, complemented by floral hints. While hints of earthy sulfur persist throughout, the overall experience presents a rich and flavorful exploration of Glenburgie's renowned profile.

Glen Mhor, often overshadowed by its more celebrated peers like Brora and Port Ellen, holds a distinct allure in the realm of lost distilleries. While it may lack the romanticism of its counterparts, its significance cannot be understated, particularly as one of the components used to recreate the legendary Mackinlay's Rare Old Highland Malt. Now, four decades removed from its last spirit run, Glen Mhor releases are increasingly scarce and highly coveted, exemplified by offerings like this one. Bottled from Refill Sherry Hogshead #72, yielding a mere 174 bottles, this expression has garnered an impressive 93 points on Whiskyfun, a testament to its exceptional quality. With its natural color, non-chill filtration, and robust 50.8% ABV, this bottling embodies the essence of Glen Mhor's legacy, destined to be cherished by whisky enthusiasts fortunate enough to acquire it.

The Private Collection by Gordon & MacPhail stands as a testament to the distilleries that have fallen silent over the years, offering whisky enthusiasts a rare glimpse into their storied past. This exclusive collection presents exceptionally rare and aged malts, carefully curated by members of the Urquhart family, who have steered Gordon & MacPhail for four generations. Among these treasures are releases from iconic distilleries like Dallas Dhu and Longmorn, each hand-selected to showcase the pinnacle of quality and craftsmanship. Stephen Rankin, Director of Prestige at Gordon & MacPhail, emphasizes the legacy of his grandfather, George Urquhart, who pioneered the art of matching new make spirit with select casks, ensuring each whisky reached its peak before bottling. The latest addition to this illustrious lineup is a Gordon & MacPhail Dallas Dhu from a single refill American hogshead, yielding just 134 bottles after 38 years of ageing at a bold 60.1% ABV, offering a glimpse into the extraordinary legacy of this iconic Speyside distillery.

Part of Gordon & MacPhail's esteemed Private Collection, this Speyside single malt hails from the shuttered Convalmore distillery in Dufftown. Distilled in 1975, it spent 46 years maturing in a refill American oak hogshead, yielding just 138 bottles at 47.8% ABV. On the nose, expect fragrant Turkish delight, zestful lemon, and candied orange peel. The palate offers a floral character accompanied by nuances of lemon curd and orange rind. Finishing smoothly, it unveils hints of Madagascan vanilla and lingering citrus notes.

This 39-year-old Private Collection Benromach, aged initially in a Sherry Cask for 19 years before a further 20-year finish in a Burgundy Hogshead, boasts a robust 60.2% ABV. Remarkably rare, independent bottlings of Benromach are scarce, with fewer than a dozen in the last two decades, many of which were by Gordon & MacPhail, the distillery's owner. The decision to release these Burgundy-finished expressions under Gordon & MacPhail's label likely stems from their deviation from the distillery's usual style, ensuring clarity between these and Benromach's recent 40-year-old releases, which adhere to a more traditional profile.

What those of us know in Alberta as the gateway to the Rockies, Banff is well known here. In Scotland though, the Banff Distillery, built in 1824 established itself in the Highlands until a fire destroyed all the maltings and the warehouses. Further calamities from World War II bombers ignited many casks of whisky and leaked the precious liquid all over the countryside where legend has that this caused the drunkenness of local farm animals. The distillery closed permanently in 1983 but left a legacy: a few remaining casks filled with a whisky of deep rich flavour and long lingering spice notes.