Alley Kat Brewing Company

Andrea Occhipinti

Alea Viva Lazio Rosso Aleatico

Delightful, natural funk, light bodied, orange zest, cherry, floral, dries out the tongue, right up my alley — 2 months ago

The Standish Wine Company

Single Vineyard Shiraz 2002

Shay A
9.5

This was my contribution. As I have really gotten in to Aussie wines the last year or two, I’ve always wanted to try this wine (of any vintage), and couldn’t believe my luck when a local acquaintance who is wanting to downsize his cellar offered me two bottles at an amazing price. Upon opening, I was hit with smoked brisket, touch of bacon fat, and ripe blackberries. Not quite gamey or funky, but definitely savory in style. As it opened, the meat/savory notes came and went ever so often, allowing purity of the blackberries, boysenberries, and black cherries to shine. Charcoal smoke with baked fig arrive at the finish. A complex, delicious wine, and right up my alley for the style of wine I enjoy. @David T , you were correct in thinking I’d love this! — 5 years ago

joe leatherwoodDan FitzgeraldMark Flesher
with joe, Dan and 1 other
James, Rob and 46 others liked this
Bob McDonald

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@Shay A What a find re the vintage. Didn’t know they were producing back then.
Fraser McKinley

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Always loved that ‘02 @Shay A, I think along with the inaugural ‘99 and the ‘12 it’s one of Dans finest!
Shay A

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@Bob McDonald : My thoughts exactly. Only the 4th vintage, as this began in ‘99. I’ll be holding my last bottle another year or two!

@Fraser McKinley : That means I need to get to finding some ‘12!

Dassai Sake Brewery

Dassai 23 Junmai Daiginjo Yamadanishiki Sake

After a line-up featuring the likes of Aramasa, Yamamoto, Tatenokawa, and Ohmine, the Dassai 23 Centrifuge came off a little boring. As JT puts it, “It’s what I’d expect saké to taste like.” Then chef Alex added the darnest comment, “Doesn’t it remind you of soju.” Hahahaha.

Rich, round and heavy, with an almost sterile quality to the finish, it definitely wasn’t up my alley but I got to commend how lovely the silky textures were. Solid though - Dassai is Dassai, like how Dom is Dom. Reliability at scale.
— a year ago

Nicolas, Aravind and 5 others liked this

Ant Moore

#Kat Walker Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017

Eric L
9.3

Might be only Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc I like. Dry but citrusy without any aftertaste. — 4 years ago

Montebruno

Crawford Beck Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013

Very high acidity, tart cherry — almost like the wine version of a sour beer — balanced well by those velvety Pinot tannins. Really, really good and right up my alley. — 5 years ago

Succés

La Cuca de Llum Conca de Barberà Trepat 2015

An interesting wine. Some similarities with gamay so if that’s up your alley give this a shot. — 5 years ago

Longoria

Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay 2018

This is right up my alley. Very Burgundian in style. Noticeable new oak without taking center stage. Perfectly balanced between the sweet vanilla and the tropical acidic notes. A+ new world Chard! — 2 years ago

Raina Fraley
with Raina

Long Shadows Vintners

Poet's Leap Columbia Valley Riesling 2017

Shay A
9.1

I’ve come to really enjoy the entire portfolio of wines from Long Shadows, and while the reds are a bit more up my alley, this is really difficult to beat for the price. I think I enjoyed the 2016 a bit more, but I think this will hold longer.

Made in an off-dry style, there is a tinge of sweetness that reminds me more of German Riesling than Alsatian Riesling. At pop, there was a slight note of petrol on the nose but it dissipated by day two. Honeyed stone fruits, apricot and crushed limestone also show up aromatically. On the palate, it’s mineral/slate driven with some lemon-lime, lychee and zippy acidity. Touch of sweetness doesn’t arrive until the very back end of the palate. Best enjoyed around cellar temp, in my experience.
— 4 years ago

Ira, Ron and 40 others liked this
David T

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@Shay A Where’s the Pork Chop? 😋 Good anytime. Especially, for under $20.
Martin Sher

Martin Sher

I’ve been putting these down with frightening ease this spring. Also love the Sequel and Pirouette.
Shay A

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@David T : That is still on the schedule! Trust me, I haven’t forgot!

@Martin Sher : Understandably so! The Sequel is my favorite from the lineup!

Radley & Finch

Alley Pack Chenin Blanc 2018

This might be my new favorite white. So light and mineraly! — 5 years ago