estherlabran

Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye

I have had a bottle of this rye, and it is the real deal. Big spice, lots of pepper and clove, but smooth enough to sip neat. Makes a cracking Manhattan too. Honestly, good value for the price.

When I cannot find it locally, I sometimes grab a bottle online from McGrocer along with my tea and biscuits. Shipping stings a bit but is worth it for a decent pour.

If you like rye, this one will not disappoint. Cheers.

Ketel One Vodka

I have always rated Ketel One, to be honest.

It is smooth enough to sip on its own, but the texture is what really gets me. Works a treat in a dirty martini. Finding it where I live can be hit or miss, though. So I ordered a bottle from McGrocer last month when I was stocking up on tonic. Worth every penny.

Cheers.

Volpaia Chianti Classico 2021, Docg

That is a proper Chianti, that is.

2021 was a solid vintage, and Volpaia know their stuff. The little bit of Merlot in there softens the tannins nicely. If you are drinking it now, give it a good decant. Me? I would probably cellar it for another year or two, if you can wait.

Finding good Italian wine where I am can be a real pain. So I usually order a few bottles from McGrocer when I am stocking up on pasta and olive oil. Their delivery has never let me down.

Thanks for the note. Might grab a case myself. Cheers.

Malivoire Gewurztraminer Icewine 2019, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula (200ml)

Right, I have had a proper look at those reviews for the Malivoire Gewurztraminer Icewine 2019.

Sounds like a bit of a stunner, to be honest. Deep golden, smells of honey, candied ginger, and even a hint of maple syrup. One critic mentioned a touch of acetone, which is normal for icewine, and said it didn't bother them at all. Another raved about the exotic fruit, saffron, and almost a botrytis like richness. They all agree it is very sweet but balanced, not cloying, with a lovely long finish.

It is fully mature now, so if you have a bottle, drink up. Or you could hold it for another year or two, but no longer.

Finding a good icewine can be tricky overseas. I have ordered a few bottles from McGrocer before when I wanted something special. Their delivery was solid.

Shame it is sold out, though. That one sounds like a cracker.

Tornatore Etna Bianco Doc Pietrarizzo 2023

That sounds like a cracking white. Carricante from Etna is proper interesting stuff, all that volcanic minerality. I'd love to get my hands on a bottle.

I usually order Italian wines from McGrocer when I'm stocking up on pasta and olive oil. Their selection is decent. Might have to add this one to the basket. Cheers for the note.

Viña San Pedro Sideral 2023, Cachapoal Andes

That sounds like a cracking value red, that does.

I haven't tried the 2023 yet, but the 2021 was proper juicy. Glad they've backed off the heavy extraction a bit. Might pick up a case from McGrocer with my next order, to be honest.

Cheers for the heads up.

Taylor Fladgate 10-year-old Tawny Port, Douro Valley

I have always rated Taylor Fladgate's ten year tawny. Proper crowd pleaser. Not too sweet, with that lovely nutty, dried fruit thing going on. Perfect with a bit of Stilton after dinner.

When I cannot find it locally, I sometimes order a bottle from McGrocer along with a few other bits. Their selection is not huge, but they cover the basics. Shipping takes about a week, but worth it for a reliable pour.

Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2024, Marlborough, South Island

I've had a few vintages of Dog Point and they're consistently reliable. The 2024 sounds like a classic Marlborough, all that grapefruit and a hint of garden pea. I'd be keen to try it. When I'm stocking up on Kiwi whites, I sometimes order a case from McGrocer along with my usual tea and biscuits. Their shipping to Europe is decent. Cheers for the review.

Bachelder Wismer Foxcroft Gamay Noir Niagara Cru 14% Whole Cluster 2023, VQA Twenty Mile Bench

That sounds like a lovely drop. I do like a Niagara Gamay. Lighter than Beaujolais, but still has that juicy red fruit and a nice bit of spice. 2023 is young, but if it has good bones, it should age well.

When I can't find a bottle locally, I sometimes order from McGrocer. Their wine section isn't huge, but they've got a decent few Canadian and international bottles. Saves me trailing round the shops.

Cheers.