In 2019 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-three wines and top-three spirits of the year was no easy task. So many beverages deserved consideration. Without further delay, here are our favorite wines and spirits of 2019.
Top Wines
Tongue Dancer Wines Putnam Vineyard Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2017 — 5 Stars/99 points
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of dried cherry and dried herbs with supporting notes of black tea, earth, violet, and oak. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black cherry, baking spices, and hibiscus flower. The finish is long and lingering with firm but supple tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty (for Pinot Noir) yet silky texture. 100% Pinot Noir $65 — The Full Review
Tablas Creek Esprit de Tablas Adelaida District 2017 — 5 Stars/97 points
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry, black tea, and earth with supporting notes of smoked meat, mocha, violet, blackcurrant, and cigar box. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of plum, black cherry, and sweet balsamic. The finish is long and lingering with chewy and ripe tannins with crushed black fruits and mineral. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty texture. Made with a blend of 40% Mourvedre, 35% Syrah, 20% Grenache, and 5% Counoise. $60 — The Full Review
Troon Vineyard Côtes Du Kubli Blanc Applegate Valley 2018 — 4.5 Stars/96 points
Brilliant, medium pale straw color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of tropical fruit and spring flowers with supporting notes of bees wax, citrus zest, and subtle oak accents. The palate confirms the nose delivering a green and tropical fruit-driven core with flavors of Asian pear, white peach, and a wet slate mineral accent rising on the finish. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant but supple texture. Made with a blend of 51% Viognier, 28% Marsanne, and 21% Roussanne. $35 — The Full Review
Top Spirits
Fords Officers’ Reserve Overproof London Dry Gin — 5 Stars
Brilliant, crystal clear with a very pale straw hue. The aromatics of this Navy Strength Gin offers juniper, coriander, and citrus in equal measure with accents of brown spice and dried flowers in support. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush and oily center palate with bold bursts of juniper, orange, grapefruit, and sweet herbal and spice notes dominate the core that becomes increasingly drier on the finish with vibrant citrus zest accents. Full-bodied with ideal balance and a texture, which is no small feat considering its considerable strength (54.5 abv). The Fords Officer’s Reserve does not disappoint as it displays the same complexity and style of the original with a bold proof and subtle Sherry cask highlights. $34.99 — The Full Review
Old Pulteney 15 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky — 5 Stars
Brilliant, pale amber color. The aromatics are intense and complex with waves of honey, toffee, ginger, candied citrus zest, and cocoa nibs. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich and powerful honey and malt-driven core with waves of vanilla, dark chocolate, and citrus with hints of black pepper and sea salt. Full-bodied with dense malt throughout balanced with fresh acidity, citrus, and right salinity. Since much to our shock and horror Old Pulteney discontinued their great 17-year-old, this lovely 15-year-old is our new favorite Old Pulteney Malt. $90
Silent Pool Gin — 4.5 Stars
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is amazingly aromatic with waves of bright juniper supported by generous notes of dried flowers and citrus with a subtle sweet honey accent. The palate echoes the nose delivering a dense and nearly chewy juniper-forward spirit with an impossibly complex mélange of spices in support finishing dry with a faint earthy tone. Full-bodied with gusto to spare being both assertive and elegant while ultimately finishing dry. Made with an intriguing four-stage process that utilizes 24 botanicals. An unforgettable Gin with great versatility. $59.99 — The Full Review