Sorry about the hiatus. A pandemic takes some of the blame, but a Civil War focused research project also consumed time that would otherwise have been allocated to sharing thoughts on wine and spirits. The Civil War project continues, but my ability to budget time has improved. The pandemic has become ‘manageable’ as vaccines and infections move us into a hybrid ‘herd immunity’. Moreover, Joy and I have had the opportunity to taste many wines and spirits worth sharing.
I am going to streamline my posting. Rather than detailed posts once a week, I will share ‘reflections’ on products more regularly.
Two for today.
Ironically, my most recent post (although, not all that recent), recommended that you track down the Cambria Katherine’s Vineyard 2018 Chardonnay. I renew this blog with a recommendation that you track down the 2021 Katherine’s Chardonnay.
If you like the creamy California style Chard with hints of vanilla and sufficient body to work with virtually any fish, pork, or fowl, then this is your wine. Available everywhere for about $20.
We had the opportunity to meet Cambria winemaker Jill Russell at the 2022 South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival. Her youthful appearance belies her years of training and experience. Educated at Cal San Luis Obispo, with vintages in Australia and France, winemaking for years with both Stephen Dooley (in the Edna Valley) and Paul Lato (of Pinot Noir and Santa Barbara), she has been the winemaker at Cambria since 2017.
Russell’s enthusiasm for Cambria and for the wines of Santa Barbara is infectious. She shared the stage with Greg Brewer (of Brewer-Clifton) and together they told a compelling tale of a region deserving of the accolades earned by its over 200 wineries.
Cambria’s Katherine’s Chardonnay, however, is not her only wine worth seeking. The 2021 Tepusquet Vineyard Viognier is outstanding. This 100% Viognier is floral on the nose with both peach and pear on the palate. It has an excellent finish and would be wonderful with fish, pork, or fowl. It is also a wonderful way to start an evening. Try it with a hardy cheese. Limited production, but nationwide distribution. Sells for around $27.
A bourbon.
A couple of years ago, Hirsch Horizon had a limited footprint. You could find in larger markets only. Not today. Hirsch is available virtually everywhere.
Originated in Pennsylvania’s Schaefferstown Distillery (better known today as Michter’s), the first 400-barrel batch was ultimately bottled by Julien Van Winkle III as A.H. Hirsch Reserve. A 1991 bottling of that spirit will cost you more than $4,000.
Fortunately, you can Hirsch Horizon for approximately $40. It is now distilled in Indiana and aged/bottled in Bardstown, Kentucky.
Golden color you will find hints of honey and butter on the nose, and spice laced with pleasant hints of leather on the palate. Lingering finish on this easy to enjoy bourbon.
Nice to be back on-line.