BAD BATCH OF CORKS
FAULTY CORKS have wreaked havoc at the iconic Cayuse Vineyards in Washington, writing off nearly 3OOO cases of 2O15 wine and at a potential loss of $3 million. Among the affected were some of winemaker Christophe Baron’s most renowned wines, including Bionic Frog Syrah, Cailloux Vineyard Syrah, En Chamberlin Syrah,... Read More
DETECTING WILDFIRE TAINTED WINE GRAPES
THE DAMAGE CAUSED by the wildfires in California was devastating in its immediate impact but there is still the issue of smoke taint and how much crops will be affected by it. Researchers may have found a powerful tool that could help to limit the future impact of the smoke.... Read More
WEIGHT WATCHERS WHITE WINE
MOST PEOPLE would like to drop a few pounds but dieting often entails cutting out the wine and who wants to do that? Weight Watchers to the rescue! The diet company is getting into the wine business – kind of, with the launch of Cense, a lower-calorie Sauvignon Blanc which... Read More
ENDANGERED COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH, THE PINEAPPLE JULEP
by PINK LADY WE OFTEN THINK of Juleps as the provenance of mint, bourbon, warm weather, and the Kentucky Derby, but Julep drinking wasn’t always this way. From the turn of the 19th century through the Civil War, the Mint Julep was a staple of everywhere, everyday drinking. The beverage... Read More
WINE DRINKERS with COLORECTAL CANCER LIVE LONGER
by HARVEY FINKEL, MD THE RISKS AND BENEFITS of alcohol consumption vis-à-vis cancer remain murky, confusing, and conflicted. We all can agree that heavy drinking is unhealthy, and most believe the great weight of scientific evidence developed during the last 3O years strongly suggesting light or moderate drinking is healthful,... Read More
COOL CLIMATE CHARDONNAYS, CHABLIS and the WILLAMETTE VALLEY
by SANDY BLOCK, MW IT’S NO SECRET that Chardonnay’s growth has stalled and that it’s perceived as losing ground in the market, particularly among younger consumers who profess a preference for Sauvignon Blanc. Chardonnay, however, is anything but monolithic. Handled properly it shows subtle differences in soil, climate, weather, and... Read More
FARMER WILLIE’S EXTRA GINGER
This is the second addition to the Farmer Willie alcoholic ginger beer line. The Extra Ginger shares the same base recipe as the original of fresh cold-pressed ginger, ginger purée, cane sugar, lemon juice, molasses and nutmeg but has additional ginger and cayenne added for a stronger bite. Suggested... Read More
IRON SIDE CELLARS
There are two new 2O16 releases from Iron Side: a Reserve Red and a Reserve Pinot Noir. Both are from Monterey, California. Each wine features a new felt label and an elevated “I” medallion. Suggested retail is $29.99 for the Reserve Red and $24.99 for the Pinot Noir. AVAILABLE FROM... Read More
SALUTE AMERICAN VODKA
This certified American-made vodka is now available in the state. The first dollar of every bottle sold goes directly to organizations that assist veterans and other American heroes in their pursuit of an education, furthering their careers or starting a business. The 8O-proof vodka is made with corn and wheat... Read More
JOHNNIE WALKER BLACK LABEL THE DIRECTOR’S CUT
Johnnie Walker has released this whisky as part of the brand’s appearance in the film Blade Runner 2O49. The futuristic bottle was inspired by the Johnnie Walker Black Label prop from the original Blade Runner film. Suggested retail for a 75Oml is $9O. AVAILABLE FROM United Liquors