In this edition of the Double Dozen, we feature holiday cheer from the spirits world with rare Scotch from The Dalmore, American whiskies from around the country as presented by Lost Lantern and a singular vodka from Cadrona in New Zealand that makes us want to rethink that category of white spirits.
Of course, we also have many fine wines from $9 to several hundred, most of them reds.
We begin with the spirits.
Cadrona The Reid Single Malt Vodka ($75). Who says vodka has to be dull or flavored? From New Zealand, this vodka has haunting aromas and flavors that whisper of crème fraiche and fresh coconut – delightful sipping or mixing.
Lost Lantern Single Cask Series – New York Distilling 10 Year-Old-Straight Rye ($150). Very smooth and linear with cracked grain and taffy flavors.
Lost Lantern Single Cask Series – Spirits Works Straight 10-Year-Old Rye ($150). There’s some nice green veggie notes in among the oak and caramel, and it’s pleasantly limpid on the palate.
Lost Lantern Single Cask Series – Tom Foolery 10-Year-Old Straight Bourbon ($175). Pleasantly aggressive with lingering caramel and cracked grain flavors.
Lost Lantern Single Cask Series – Westland 9.99-Year-Old Peated American Single Malt ($175). Enjoyable flannel-like smoky flavors with a friendly nip at the end, barely a bite.
The Dalmore 15-Year-Old Select Edition 2009 Scotch ($250). Gentle wood-smoky peat aromas and flavors with almost-sweet grains and touches of vanillin – smooth and mellow.
The Dalmore 18-Year-Old Select Edition 2006 Scotch ($500). Very gentle peatiness with floral, even vegetal, flavors adding complexity with fewer sweet notes than the 2009 – genteel sipping.
2023 Robert Mondavi “Private Selection” California Chardonnay ($9). Quite enjoyable – ripe apple and baked apple flavors with a touch of toast. And who can argue with the price?
2020 Grgich Hills Estate Napa Valley Chardonnay ($49). Nice herbal notes along with the apple flavors but, surprisingly, a little bland.
NV Brion Wise “Cuvée Ronda” Champagne Blanc de Blanc Extra Brut ($85). Some American winemakers partner with a Champagne house, and the result here is an elegant, somewhat lean, somewhat intense, medium weight bubbly with dominant tastes of lemon and vanilla.
2023 Robert Mondavi “Private Selection” California Cabernet Sauvignon ($9). Some weedy notes among the berries and with a hint of sugar in the finish.
2019 Nativ “Blue Onice” Irpina Aglianico ($25). Rich, intense blackberries and black raspberries fruits but with a touch of heat from high alcohol.
2021 Scrimaglio Barbera d’Asti Superiore ($27). Ripe blackberry flavors with dried berries in the finish – substantial and somewhat tart and tannic.
2020 Fromm Marlborough Syrah ($29). Very tangy, gamey, tart with a lightly puckery finish.
2019 Cos d’Estournel “G d’Estournel” Medoc Red Wine ($42). Very nice entry level from this famous château – blackberry and red raspberry fruits with some barrel notes and nutty tannins.
2021 Luciano Arduini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico ($46). Raisiny flavors with good depth, moderate weight, nice oak notes and pleasant closing acidity – enjoyable.
2018 Brookman Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($45). Easy drinking with dark berry flavors, though a little sharp in the finish.
2021 JDB Cerro Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($47). Nice, creamy blackberry flavors with good balance, but could have more depth and complexity.
2019 Villa Bibbianni Montereggi Toscana IGT ($50). Very supple wine with good flavors of dried blackberries with modest tannins.
2018 Appasionata “GG” Chehalem Mountains Riesling ($51). Rich and medium-bodied with pleasing fruit oils and a hint of sweetness in the finish.
2020 Valette Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($70). Well-structured with ripe and rounded dark cherry flavors, good intensity and a burnished finish.
2020 Grgich Hills Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($71). Dark blackberry flavors with lots of savory components, a little bit like a Merlot in a good way.
2019 Colle Nero “Tra di Noi” Brunello di Montalcino ($75). Delightful gamey aromas with smooth cherry flavors, savory notes and a raspy, tannic finish.
2018 JDB Wines “Massif” Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon ($135). Fruit-forward blackberry flavors, perhaps a tad sweet in the finish.
Prices listed are generally SRP or from wine-searcher.com. As more wineries are now shipping direct-to-consumer, check the winery website if you can’t find a bottle in your retail store.
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