Cork Hoarder

We'll try anything. Almost.

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They made pouring Txakoli look so easy in San Sebastián. We still had a whole lot of fun, despite the mess!

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Booker | 2013 White - unfiltered, untamed, unruly.

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Field Recordings | 2014 Fiction in the can

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Russian River. Always satisfying.

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Base Camp Brewing Co. | Northwest Fest Lager We took this out into the wilderness and it's just rancid. Couldn't finish the bottle.

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Moone Tsai | Howell Mountain Hillside Blend Big, bold, velvety and gentle at the same time. This is everything one expects in a Howell Mountain meets Napa blend. Such a treat.

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Sadaf | Mint Doogh This stuff took me awhile to develop an appreciation for, and there are better examples for sure, but if you want to give it a try - Sadaf's mint Doogh is fairly easy to start with. A mild yogurt flavor that's liquid and smooth with just touch of mint on the back palate.

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Jaffurs | 2008 Verna's Vineyard Jaffurs makes some amazing syrah, and Verna's is our favorite.

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Ladera | 2007 Cab 2007 Napa has yet to disappoint.

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Martella | 2010 Grenache Big alcohol on the nose and initial sip. Give it awhile and it mellows out. Bolder bodied, red fruit, easy tannins, velvety and luscious.

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Coronado | Blue Ridge Coffee Stout Solid, but a bit bitter.

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Sierra Nevada x Bruery | Terra Incognito Lots of molasses.

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Wódka Żoładkowa Gorzka Tastes like cool mint listerine.

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Krug | N.V. Grand Cuvée

It's always good manners to begin a trip with Krug. Tiny bubbles, creamy, refreshing. Just delicious. 

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Saxum | 2010 Broken Stones

After a long day of tasting, this one took the best of show. Long, long legs with big tannins. Dark, inky with big black fruit and cassis. Can sit in the cellar for an easy 5-7 more years. Delicious right now, but still very much a ripper. 

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Halter Ranch | Paso Robles

While we were at dinner at Artisan, their general manager introduced us to Halter Ranch. Not sure how we have missed this winery all these years but they produce some great wine at very affordable price points. Stand outs include their GSM and something called Ancestry. Tastings are $10 and waived with each bottle purchase. Their property is amazing. Great spot for a picnic or photos in general.

Halter Ranch Vineyard 8910 Adelaida Rd. Paso Robles, CA 93446

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Booker | 2012 Sweet

Finally, Booker's first 'dessert wine' structured in the way of a great Sauterne. 100% Petit Manseng which typically is blended into Booker's White offering, but was picked later this year for the sugar yield. It's named honestly as this wine is Sweet. If you like sweet wines - get some, if you don't - pass. It's a great little bottle, sure to win over some hearts at your next tasting.