I’ll have some Roussillon, hold the Rivesaltes

W. Blake Gray
Features
4 min read
Today I take pleasure in upending one of the most common wine story tropes: the "disappearing underappreciated wine" story. These stories play the emotions like a zither: loss, urgency to act, the opportunity to be one of a special group of people who appreciate exotic beauty. I've written a bunch

Mezcal Vago Mexicano

David Honig
Wine Reviews
1 min read
The nose is rich and earthy, with aromas of black dirt and smoke. There's plenty of spice on the palate, cinnamon, nutmeg,  chipotle, and the tiniest hint of unsweetened chocolate. Double-distilled in a clay still in a tiny batch of just 128 liters, it is smooth and nearly bite-free. Smoke

Vinho Verde: The Grass is Always Greener

Simon J Woolf
Feature Stories
3 min read
Confession time: Years ago, I used to think I was sophisticated because not only did I know that Port and Mateus Rosé came from Portugal, I also knew and loved Vinho Verde. What could be better at the height of summer than something crisp, white and ever so slightly frizzante?

2010 Columbia Winery “Lapis” Red Wine

David Honig
Wine Reviews
1 min read
A very nice Syrah-driven red blend from one of the patriarchs of Washington Wine. Blackberry leads on the nose, with a background of black cherry. It also shows black pepper and and a touch of tar. Syrah dominates on the palate, with blackberry and pepper. Other varietals show in black

Mezcal Vago Elote

David Honig
Wine Reviews
1 min read
This unique triple-distilled Mezcal is infused with roasted corn between the second and third distillation, offering an interesting palette of smokey flavors and aromas. Smoke and toasted cornbread with honey all come out on the palate. Honey drips throughout the surprisingly sweet palate, which also shows roasted sweet corn, agave

Mezcal Vago Espadin

David Honig
Wine Reviews
1 min read
This Mezcal is made in the village of Candeleria Yegole, on the border of the Central Valley and Sierra Sur regions of Oaxaca. The nose shows aromas of yuca, candle wax, flint, and smoke. A drop or two under the tongue lets the surprising fruit explode in a surprising burst