In 2020 we had the great pleasure to meet and sip some amazing wine, spirits, and beers. All of the reviews can be seen in the product review sections here at BevX.
Choosing our top-five wines and top-five spirits of the year was no easy task. So many beverages deserved consideration. Without further delay, here are our favorite wines and spirits of 2020.
Top Wines
Tablas Creek Esprit de Tablas Adelaida District 2018
See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black plum and black currant with supporting notes of anise, black tea, slate, and campfire. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of blackberry, five spice, and smoked meat. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins and subtle, sweet balsamic notes on the finish. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty yet silky texture. $60 5 Stars/97 points
Tablas Creek Grenache Adelaida District 2018
See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of wild strawberry and red cherry with supporting notes of fresh herbs, rare red meat, and violet. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of red plum, raspberry, cigar box, and boysenberry. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins and hints of pepper. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a opulent texture. $35 5 Stars/97 points
Tongue Dancer Pinot de Ville – Putnam Vineyard Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2018
See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of red cherry and fresh herbs with supporting notes of violet, boysenberry, clove, and sour cherry. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black cherry, five spice, pomegranate, and raspberry. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple and juicy texture. $66 4.5 Stars/96 points
Troon Vineyard Côtes Du Kubli Blanc Applegate Valley 2019
See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, medium golden color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of tropical fruit and citrus zest with supporting notes of blanched almonds, jasmine, and bees wax. The palate echoes the nose delivering an orchard fruit-driven core with flavors of pineapple, kiwi, white peach, pear, wet stones, and citrus zest. The finish is long and lingering. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a voluptuous texture. $35 5 Stars/98 points
Chateau Climens Asphodèle Blanc Bordeaux 2018
Brilliant, medium golden color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of bees wax, peach, and honey with supporting notes of citrus zest, mineral, and chamomile. The palate echoes the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of apricot, blanched almonds, lemon curd, and nectarine. The finish is long and lingering with sweet and tart fruits in equal parts. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant but waxy texture. $41.99 5 Stars/97 points
Top Spirits
Revanche Cognac See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, deep copper to mahogany color. The nose is delicate yet expressive with waves of ripe and baked orchard fruits supported by generous notes of baking spices, dark caramel, cacao nibs, and dried fruits. The palate confirms the nose delivering fruit-driven core with accents of spice, oak, pepper, and candied ginger on a creamy yet vibrant texture. Medium-bodied with ideal balance as the sharper spice notes and bright acidity bring vigor to each sip. $39.99 – 4.5 Stars
Mad March Hare Irish Poitin See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is complex and generous with the scents of wet grains, wild herbs, charred sugar, and subtle hints of mineral and smoke. The palate confirms the nose while adding a rich and slightly sweet malt core that provides a lush and silky texture flanked by notes of black pepper and mineral. Medium-bodied with perfect balance as the natural acidity ideally frames the rich, malty core. $24.99 – 4.5 Stars
Christian Drouin Le Gin See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is wonderfully aromatic with waves of bright juniper supported by generous notes of lemon zest, rose, blanched almonds, cardamon, and hints of vanilla bean. The palate echoes the nose delivering a vibrant botanical-driven core with bright citrus flavors in the lead supported by ginger with hints of brown baking spices. Medium to full-bodied with ideal balance thanks to a bright note of acidity with a vibrant botanicals delivered in perfect measure on a backdrop of a silky, pure spirit. $45 – 4.5 Stars
Somrus Coffee Cream Liqueur See the Full BevX Featured Review Viscous and creamy with a mocha color. The nose is filled with the aromas of a boutique cafe with scents of freshly roasted coffee supported by notes of mocha and milk chocolate with hints of chicory. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a lush and silky cream and coffee-driven core with waves of chocolate, spice, and sweet Rum rising on the finish. This is a rich and mouth-filling liqueur with a surprising vibrancy that keeps it from becoming heavy or cloying. $24.99 – 5 Stars
Rootstock Applejack 5 Years Old Apple Brandy See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, golden color. The nose is filled with the scents of baked apples with assertive supporting notes of campfire, toffee, and vanilla bean. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich, apple-driven core with waves of brown baking spices, sweet caramel, oak, and candied ginger. Full-bodied with bright fruit supported by loads of spice, with silky sweet nuts and caramel. $55 – 4.5 Stars