I was recently sent three samples of Illegal (that's the brand name: pronounced "eeh-lay-gal") Mezcal by the United States importer, Frederick Wildman and Sons, Ltd. My last experience with mezcal was many years ago, and it involved fraternity brothers, a-read more-
I had entertained the idea of starting a home vineyard on a family property within eyesight of downtown for several years. I had hesitated because I was not certain which cultivars would do well at the site. Two years ago,-read more-
The 2008 Witch Creek Aglianico, from Valle de Guadeloupe fruit, was a bit of a stylistic departure from this producer’s Montepulcianos (from the same region). Brambly blackberry aromas, up front, were followed by hints of pepper and smoke and a-read more-
The 2008 Witch Creek Montepulciano was more ungainly. Aromas of dill, at first, were followed by briary, vaguely herbal notes. In the mouth, brine dominated with meaty flavors coming before light strawberry. Structurally, this wine was light, creamy and thinner-read more-
The 2007 Witch Creek Montepulciano offered ripe, fleshy strawberry aromas, a piney note, and a hint of dill. In the mouth, it was savory, gamey and briny with strawberry flavors playing a well-placed second fiddle. It was lush, rich and-read more-