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Eve Bushman’s Wine Spectator Grand Tour 2024 Las Vegas

Eve Bushman‘s Wine Spectator Grand Tour 2024 Las Vegas

Last Saturday night, at Resorts World Las Vegas, Eddie and I covered our very first Wine Spectator Grand Tour tasting!

Eyeballing this one for a while, as all the wines scored 90 points or greater – any 90-point and up wine awarded blind by Wine Spectator means a lot in my opinion – and there were 235 wineries represented!

I had some California favorites I wanted to try, and of course dozens from around the world.

But, knowing me, covering the event was going to take most of my time and I would be lucky to hit up just so many tables, with that in mind these were my favorite wines and their numerical scores:

Vina Almaviva Puento Alto 2021, 96.  

Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Benchland Select 2019, 91.

Bodega Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata Mendoza 2009 (Cab and Malbec), 94.

Cesare Amarone Valpolicella Classico, 2018, 91.

Louis Roederer Brut Champagne Collection 244 NV, 93.

Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Signature 2019, 93.

Charles Heidsieck Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne, NV, 93.

Charles Krug Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain Family Reserve 2019, 94.

Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2021, 94.

Chimney Rock Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District 2021, 94.

Croft Vintage Port 2017, 97.

Cuvaison Pinot Noir Napa Valley Los Carneros Small Lot Spire 2021, 92.

Darioush Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Signature 2018, 92.

Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2021, 92.

Frank Family Chardonnay Carneros 2021, 92.

Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Kathryn Hall 2016, 96.

Laurent-Perrier Brut Rose Champagne Cuvee NV, 92.

Marques de Caceres Rioja Gaudium Reserva 2018, 91.

Mollydooker Shiraz McLaren Vale Velvet Glove 2019, 94.

Pasqua Amarone Della Valpolicella Mai Dire Mai 2013, 91.

Pio Cesare Barbaresco 2019, 93.

Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2019, 91.

Roederer Estate Brut Rose Anderson Valley L’Ermitage 2015, 93.

Sandeman Tawny Port 20 Year Old NV, 92.

Schramsberg Vineyard Brut Rose North Coast 2020, 93.

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District S.L.V. 2018, 94.

Taub Family Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Beckstoffer Vyds Georges III 2019, 93.

Tensley Syrah Santa Barbara County OGT 2021, 94.

Torbreck Grenache Barossa Valley Hillside Vineyard 2021, 93.

Trimbach Riesling Alsace Frederic Emile 2016, 94.

Vina Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon Puente Alto Vineyard 2021, 96.

Vina Montes Purple Angel Colchagua Valley 2020, 93.

Yalumba Cabernet-Shiraz South Australia The Caley 2018, 95.

Zenato Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2018, 92.

Event Notes

You can get there 30 minutes or so in advance to check in, get your wrist band and wine glass voucher.

Lots of people lined up to get in, but once the clocked chimed the appointed hour, we were in the large tasting room within minutes.

The dining room had plenty of seating, with different food options – Italian and Mexican – and a dessert table. We went for the pasta, carbo-loading for our stamina, which we enjoyed after the first hour.

Bathrooms were close by, plenty of water stations, pour out buckets and if there was a line at a table you could just go to the next one.

IMHO there is no reason to wait at a particular table at this event as you know everything they are offering is a top-scoring wine. The winery representatives were extremely knowledgeable about their wines.

View the wineries that participated here.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards.

You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

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This Halloween in LA: Scary-good whiskies: J. Mattingly 1845 Welcomes Fall with New Whiskey Offerings

Scary-good whiskies this Halloween: J. Mattingly 1845 Welcomes Fall with New Whiskey Offerings

J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery is debuting scary-good whiskies this fall, with its first fall spiced Bourbon 31 Blended Bourbon and the ability to customize your own whiskey for your Halloween festivities through its J. Mattingly 1845 craft your bottle program.

Screenshot

Bourbon 31 Blended Bourbon is a play on the brand’s Bourbon 30 Bourbon brand and this limited-edition release was created for the Halloween season.

Bourbon 31 is a blend of three whiskies which have all undergone J. Mattingly 1845’s Double Staving™ process and the blend consists of 51 percent Bourbon, 29 percent Light Whiskey and 20 percent Rye Whiskey. Double Staving is a proprietary process used by J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery that gives the whiskey inside the barrels additional surface exposure to charred barrel staves to impart more flavor and color.

The Double Staved Classic Bourbon used in this blend has just scored a 96 from famed Whiskey Bible author Jim Murray.

The Bourbon 31 Blended Bourbon was created by J. Mattingly 1845’s team of expert blenders to reflect the flavors typically associated with fall. “When we blended these three whiskies, we were looking for a flavor profile that reflects flavors typically associated with fall, such as pumpkin and cinnamon while matching the light-hearted fun we’re having by changing the brand name from Bourbon 30 to Bourbon 31 to celebrate the Halloween season,” said Harry Richart, president, J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery.

Tasting notes for this bourbon describe it as having a nose of nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and walnut, with the flavors of brown sugar, cinnamon, and fall baking spices on the palate. On the finish, pumpkin bread, baker’s chocolate and seasoned oak are prevalent.

Bourbon 31 is available online and at the J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery in Frankfort, KY.  Suggested retail pricing is $60 for a 750 mL and it is 98 proof.

J. Mattingly 1845 Custom Whiskey Program is the “Choose Your Own Adventure” of the whiskey world by allowing the buyer to choose between double staved™ bourbon, light whiskey or rye whiskey recipes, select their bottle shape, customize their own label, and even choose their own wax color from every color of the rainbow! This program is available online and in person at the Distillery and can result in some frighteningly fun labels and Halloween-themed wax colors.  Imagine expressing your innermost devilish (or angelic) thoughts on the bourbon bottle you give your favorite boo.

Pricing for the custom bottles start at $120 for a 750 mL bottle and shipping is available to 46 states.

About J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery

The Mattingly family has been synonymous with distilling in Kentucky for more than two centuries, having a hand in the development of at least nine separate distilleries in the Commonwealth.

It all started in 1845, with John Graves Mattingly’s first distillery in Marion County, Kentucky, Registered Distillery #2.

In 2010 Jeff Mattingly took up the family mantle and started his own craft bourbon business. Today, Jeff’s son Cameron has joined the team as Vice President of Production, continuing the legacy into the latest generation for J. Mattingly Distillery 1845 in Frankfort, Kentucky. Together father and son offer their proprietary double staving process as well as a custom bourbon blending experience unparalleled in the spirits industry, available on-site in Frankfort or online at https://jmattingly1845.com/build-a-bottle/

LA wants “Indulgence without compromise” Dairy-free, plant-based: OATRAGEOUS Oat Milk Liqueur

Dairy-free, plant-based: OATRAGEOUS Oat Milk Liqueur from the Makers of Misunderstood Whiskey Co.

OATRAGEOUS Oat Milk Liqueur proudly announces the launch of its innovative, dairy-free cream liqueur line, setting a new standard in the cream liqueur category. Crafted with the highest quality ingredients, OATRAGEOUS offers a plant-based alternative that is free from dairy, gluten, lactose, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, and seed oils.

OATRAGEOUS is proudly the first portfolio of Oat Milk Liqueurs to hit shelves in the United States.

“We couldn’t be more excited to share OATRAGEOUS with the world,”

JD Recobs

Co-Founder of OATRAGEOUS.

“There are a lot of consumers out there who want to enjoy cream inspired products but are limited by dietary restrictions, lifestyle choices, or simple taste preferences.”

OATRAGEOUS will debut three core SKUs this fall: Coconut, Espresso, and the world’s first Dairy-Free Bourbon Cream (14% ABV).

OATRAGEOUS Oat Milk Liqueur is designed for those who seek indulgence without compromise. OATRAGEOUS delivers a light, smooth, and creamy experience while boasting less sugar and fewer calories versus traditional cream liqueurs. The expressions are crafted with 100% sustainably sourced, non-GMO oats, smooth bourbon whiskey and real ingredients.

“We are thrilled to be able to open doors for consumers by giving them delicious, dairy-free options that are produced transparently and made with significantly less sugar compared to what is currently available on the market,” added Co-Founder Chris Buglisi.

While OATRAGEOUS is best enjoyed simply chilled or over ice, the products are a great base for dairy-free alternative cocktails such as the Dairy-Free Espresso Martinis (or EspressOAT Martinis) and Dairy-Free Pina Coladas!

“We aspire to create exceptional products that prioritize both people and the planet,” said Emily Recobs, Co-Founder of OATRAGEOUS. “With a commitment to sustainability, we carefully craft every bottle using clean, high-quality ingredients, keeping the environment in mind every step of the way.”

Key Features:

  • Bourbon Based Cream Liqueur: Made with premium bourbon whiskey; distilled at the historic old Seagrams distillery by Ross & Squibb Distillery (MGP) in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
  • Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free: Perfect for those with lactose intolerance, choosing a dairy-free lifestyle and with gluten sensitivities.
  • Plant-Based & Vegan-Friendly: A delightful option for those following plant-based diets.
  • Made With Clean Ingredients: No seed oils, high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners. Kosher.
  • Less Sugar & Calories: OATRAGEOUS contains 30% less sugar & calories than the leading cream liqueur brands. Proudly only 100 calories per 1.5 oz serving.
  • Sustainably Sourced: Committed to environmental responsibility, using non-GMO oats.
  • Transparently Produced: The company proudly discloses nutrition facts on their website.

Core SKUs:

  • Coconut (14% ABV) – A tropical delight with the smooth, creamy taste of real coconut.
  • Espresso (14% ABV) – A rich, bold flavor infused with the essence of Arabica espresso.
  • Bourbon Cream (14% ABV) – A classic, luxurious blend of small batch bourbon whiskey and dairy free oat milk cream.

Availability and Pricing:
OATRAGEOUS will retail at $27.99 and be available for sale nationally online (www.drinkoatrageous.com) and in liquor stores in select markets including: FL, MA, NJ, NY, and TX.

About OATRAGEOUS Oat Milk Liqueurs
OATRAGEOUS Oat Milk Liqueur was created to bring fun, innovative dairy-free cream liqueurs to the world with a focus on quality and sustainability. OATRAGEOUS is a brand of Buglisi Recobs Group, also owner of Misunderstood Whiskey Company, a NJ based innovative whiskey brand delivering approachable spirits to its customer base which includes its Ginger Spiced Whiskey and America’s Original Dairy Free Oat Nog seasonal release.

Lakers Fans: Basketball legend Introduces ‘Hennessy Limited Edition by LeBron James’, available September 30

Lakers Fans: Basketball legend Introduces ‘Hennessy Limited Edition by LeBron James’, available September 30

Hennessy, the world’s leading cognac, and basketball legend LeBron James are proud to unveil ‘Hennessy Limited Edition by LeBron James’ – a V.S bottle collaboration available globally starting on September 30, 2024.

This first-time collaboration between Hennessy and LeBron James unites two giants in their respective fields and brings an unexpected twist to fans and the industry alike. Their mutual respect, shared drive for excellence and commitment to pushing boundaries makes this partnership a celebration of greatness and serves as a reminder that Hennessy is made for more.

“As an admirer of Hennessy and its iconic brand, I’ve always appreciated its commitment to basketball and how it celebrates the sport’s influence on and off the court,”

lebron James

“I was fortunate enough to visit the Maison in Cognac a while back, and seeing the care and craftsmanship that go into creating each bottle was pretty incredible. This collaboration represents a shared sense of dedication and discovery coming to life for everyone to enjoy.”

Hennessy Limited Edition by LeBron James

Hennessy Limited Edition by LeBron James

The limited-edition bottle features fresh, vibrant and distinctive designs which nod to James’ impact on and off the court. Both the bottle and gift box showcase an illustrative portrait of James in purple and orange. The iconic Hennessy Bras Armé is reimagined, sporting a sleeve as a tribute to James and intertwined with his trademark crown. The blend will remain the same and continue to deliver on the bold, yet smooth character that has made Hennessy V.S one of the most popular cognacs in the world.

Hennessy Limited Edition by LeBron James

Hennessy Limited Edition by LeBron James

“We are elated to officially welcome LeBron James to the Hennessy family after many years of mutual admiration and friendship,” said Antoine Varlet, Senior Vice President, Hennessy U.S. “LeBron is not just a basketball star, but someone who redefines boundaries in sport, style, culture and beyond. This partnership is more than just a collaboration, it’s a statement about what’s possible when two cultural icons come together.”

Hennessy Limited Edition by LeBron James

Hennessy Limited Edition by LeBron James

To highlight the cognac’s versatility, James put a fresh twist on the Hennessy Margarita cocktail featuring Hennessy V.S, lime juice, orange liqueur, orange juice and agave syrup. The addition of orange juice comes directly from James, inspired by a recent tasting experience in Cognac where he experienced the different possibilities of the spirit and discovered that Hennessy is enjoyed more than just neat, complementing a wide range of serves. This follows the release of Hennessy’s “Made for more” campaign, which shows how any drink or occasion can be made ‘more’ when you add Hennessy. Find the full recipe on hennessy.com.

The ‘Hennessy Limited Edition by LeBron James’ V.S will be available for purchase starting September 30, 2024.

 

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