E-Newsletter 2/18/21

A small but rapidly growing niche in the wine world involves wines that are aged in used spirit barrels. We’ve tasted a number of these over time and often find them to be somewhat out of balance and feeling rather contrived.

 

Recently, however, we met with winemaker Daniel Lipsky of Barrel Riot and tasted through several of his versions. He is unique in that spirit barrel aged wines are the only wines he makes… and it shows!

 

His wines frankly surprised us with their quality and balance, with the spirit influence – as well as the higher alcohol levels – very nicely integrated indeed.

 

These are the Barrel Riot wines currently in stock:

 

Rum Barrel Aged Grenache, 29.97. Ripe red fruit, spice, caramel and rum notes.

 

Bourbon Barrel Aged Red Blend, 29.97. Red and black fruit here, with spice, vanilla, and the bourbon influence intriguingly subtle.

 

Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet, 33.97. Darker fruit apparent on this one, with oak, spice and fine structure. Once again the bourbon influence adds interesting complexity without being overpowering.

 

At about 16%-17% alcohol, these wines are not shy, so be warned! But the depth of fruit and overall complexity of flavor are impressive.

 

Bottom line – these are full-bodied, flavorful wines that will help keep you warm during these chilly nights!

 

(apologies to the rest of the country for our SoCal definition of “chilly.”)

 

WINE OF THE WEEK: