Thanksgiving Staff Picks
Mas de Gourgonnier, Baux de Provence – 2022 $18.96
Quite often I’ll learn a few things from our more astute customers. I picked up a bottle of Mas de Gourgonnier upon a recommendation of one of our visitors. I learned that back in the 70’s, the folks at Mas de Gourgonnier were pioneers in organic vineyard farming. Practicing non interventionist winemaking, they were natural before anyone called wine “natural.” The amount of goodness in this modestly priced Baux de Provence is astounding. Once poured in the glass, you’ll find aromas of red and black fruit, flint, and dried herbs. It first feels silky yet dense on the palate. Mild, grainy tannins begin to appear with a hint of black olive and smoke. Bring a few bottles to your next barbecue. – Chung Park, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Schioppettino “RiNera”, Ronchi di Cialla – 2021 $26.96
In 1970, Paolo and Dina Rapuzzi founded the Ronchi di Cialla vineyard to cultivate indigenous Friulian grapes. However, a bureaucratic hiccup made it illegal to grow the Schioppettino grape due to the thought that it was extinct. With diligence and perseverance from the Rapuzzis, in 1989, the Schioppettino grape was finally recognized as a DOC Colli Orientali del Friuli grape. Thank God! This Ribolla Nero (100% Schioppettino) is an absolute gem. Aromatic with an olfactory conclusion of fresh black cherry, ripe blueberry and tart blackberry and plum. With wonderful contrasting savory notes of black pepper, game, and crushed granite. Tart red cherry and raspberry on the palate with a melody of peppercorn and savoriness on the finish. Syrah drinkers pay attention! Pair with Memphis-style ribs with a black pepper and fennel rub. – Matt Goodyear, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Mullineux Family, Syrah – 2021 $41.97
The 2020 Mullineux Syrah is sourced from six parcels of sustainably farmed vineyards; three of them from the stony Schist-based soils of the Kasteelberg, two from dry-land bush vines grown in the granite terroir of the Parrdeberg, and one from iron rich soil just west of Malmesbury. Together, they have formed an incredibly fresh, polished and structured wine with inviting aromas of black cherries, black pepper and hints of violets. Medium to full bodied, the palate is juicy and expressive with a full range of blue to black fruits, a tannic grip that provides excellent tension, and a firm and spicy finish that goes for miles. Paired wonderfully with skirt steak tacos and red cabbage slaw. This wine is ready to blow your mind right now and/or lay down for another ten years, easy. Reminds me of exactly why I love Syrah. Superb. – Simon Gouldstone, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Coole Swan Cream Liqueur $29.99
Hey you looking at the Irish Creams!!! Before you grab that more expensive bottle with ingredients that are not labeled and possibly with words that have 15 syllables, you should be checking out this Coole Swan Irish Liqueur. Inspired by the W.B. Yeats poem,‘The Wild Swans at Coole’, Dairy Farmers Philip Brady and Mary Sadlier, perfected this recipe on the 231st attempt. Using fresh cream from their dairy, Irish Single Malt Whisky, Belgian white chocolate and fresh coffee, this product is as transparent as can be. Compared side by side, this is a less cloying, richer and less artificial alternative to your favorite Irish Cream based cocktails or a dash in your Sunday coffee. – Matt Goodyear, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur $34.96
I traditionally have shied away from anything that claims to have Coffee flavors. Save for the real thing. Mr. Black is the real thing! This liqueur is crafted with Australian wheat vodka, a touch of cane sugar, and 100% Arabica coffee sourced from Colombia, Kenya, and Papua New Guinea. The brand works directly with the farmers, co-ops, and importers to ensure that all workers are treated with respect, even requiring each grower to sign a commitment to the ethical sourcing policy. Mr. Black is vegan, gluten-free, and certified kosher, but one thing to note is that it does contains up to 40 percent of the caffeine found in a single shot of espresso. While this is a welcome addition to keep on any bar cart, my favorite application is a quick and boozy Affogato. Coffee + Gelato. – Evan Cucciniello, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Boomsma Claerkampster Cloosterbitter $27.96
With Chartreuse becoming harder to find, everyone’s clamoring for alternatives. To my mind the Boomsma Cloosterbitter comes closest although the flavors are more subtle and the abv is a mild 40% vs 55% for green Chartreuse. It does, however, share a similar storied history. It’s based on a 15th-century recipe from the Monastery Claerkamp, where a certain Brother Jacob would collect herbs and flowers during his walks. Passed down through the generations, the recipe includes 17 different herbs and plants found in the Frisian meadows of Holland. Gentian root, juniper berry, clover leaf, mint, dandelion, anise, fennel, and blessed thistle are macerated in alcohol separately and then blended. Supple and sweet with herbal, mint anise, and ginger notes, this delicious in its own right, not just an alternative for anything! – Amy Miller, Sales Manager
Macallan 12-Year Double Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky $34.96
The Macallan needs no introduction, but this Double Cask needs to be on your radar. This is a story of oak, sherry, & time. I had no idea that from acorn to bottle it takes 100 years for European Oak to mature into a usable tree while American Oak still takes around 70 years. Factor in the proprietary Macallan 5 year barrel making process, plus the 12 years in cask, & this total quickly reaches 87-117 years! The Macallan even has a “Master of Wood” who oversees the entire seasoning & toasting process. While I also love the 12 Year Sherry Oak, the Double Cask utilizes more American Oak, which allows more vanilla, ginger, and honey notes to develop. American Oak also has 5x less tannin than its European cousin. This creates an incredibly smooth palate that is the perfect introduction into sherried Scotch. An absolute pleasure to drink! – Alex Malecki, Sales Manager