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Sonoma County Wines Make a Splash in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 List
More than 10,000 wines were assessed to create Wine Spectator’s coveted Top 100 list, which features the most compelling selections. This year, Sonoma County proudly secured its place with four wines making the top 10 and ten wineries featured in the overall top 100.
Wine Spectator’s editors evaluated over 5,500 wines based on criteria such as quality, value, availability, and an elusive quality they describe as “excitement.” The top-ranked wine was a Château Giscours Margaux 2022 from Bordeaux, but it was closely followed by Sonoma County’s Aubert Wines 2023 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay from UV-SL Vineyard priced at $100. Described by reviewer MaryAnn Worobiec as offering a “stunning mix” of flavors including crème brulee and peach preserves, this wine has garnered significant attention.
In third place was the Ridge Vineyards 2023 Lytton Springs from Dry Creek Valley ($56), a complex Zinfandel enriched with Petite Syrah and other varietals. Tim Fish, an editor at Wine Spectator, highlighted its “bold blackberry” notes and complex structure.
Fourth place went to William Selyem’s 2023 Pinot Noir from Eastside Road Neighbors in the Russian River Valley priced at $72, praised for its floral purity and vibrant flavors. Finally, at eighth, Wayfarer’s 2023 Pinot Noir from Wayfarer Vineyard in Fort Ross-Seaview ($100), crafted from a variety of Pinot Noir clones, showcased winemaker Todd Kohn’s skill.
Additional Sonoma County wines featured in this esteemed list include:
- Bedrock Wine Co. 2023 Bedrock Vineyard Heritage Red Wine, Sonoma Valley ($60)
- Patz & Hall 2022 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast ($35)
- Dry Creek Vineyard 2023 Chenin Blanc, Clarksburg ($18)
- Hartford Family 2022 Old Vine Zinfandel, Russian River Valley ($50)
- Ravenswood 2023 Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley ($27)
- Dehlinger 2023 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley ($50)
- Platt Vineyard 2023 Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, West Sonoma Coast ($165)
For more information, you can check out the complete list here.
Cheers to the Holidays: Denver and Boulder Wine Experts Share Their Top Picks!
As the holiday season approaches, the fear of uninspiring wines looms large at festive gatherings. The dreaded appearance of supermarket wine, typified by a bottle of flabby Chardonnay, can send shivers down the spine of even the most seasoned host. With memories of past experiences washing over, the best defense is clear: bring your own quality wine.
To help you navigate the holiday wine scene, several sommeliers and wine professionals from Boulder and Denver shared their top picks for the festive season, ensuring you don’t have to suffer through a glass of awkward holiday wine.
James Keiser, beverage manager at Corsica Wine Bar, stresses the importance of selecting something that invites conversation. He suggests a 2016 Domaine Ventoura Chardonnay from Burgundy—a perfect choice for those who typically stick to more popular regions. This line of thinking extends to his holiday tradition, where he recalls special bottles enjoyed with family while watching festive films.
For Keiser, wine selection could be as approachable as a Buganza Nebbiolo or a Langhe Nebbiolo from Tintero, both of which appeal to a wide range of palates without breaking the bank. He favors shopping at Mr. B’s Wine & Spirits for unique picks and recommends larger stores like Molly’s Spirits for bulk purchases.
Next, Michael Harney, beverage director at Barcelona Wine Bar, reveals his holiday strategy involves impressing family with wines that spark conversation. His personal favorite is Vega Clara Mario, a harmonious blend of Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon. For budget-friendly options, he suggests López de Heredia’s Viña Cubillo Crianza, which is both classic and affordable.
Owner Mary Kent of Sienna Wine Bar opts to lean heavily into sparkling wines for holiday gatherings. She frequently stocks her parties with Laurent-Perrier Vintage Rosé and local selections like La Capranera Falanghina—a perfect match for festive dishes. Kent cherishes the communal spirit of celebration and emphasizes the enjoyment of sharing good wine.
Lastly, at Frasca Hospitality Group, Carlin Karr brings her expertise from Michelin-starred backgrounds to her holiday celebrations by selecting versatile wines that complement traditional dishes. She favors Burgundy Pinot Noir and Cru Beaujolais, particularly Jean Foillard’s Morgon, which encapsulates the essence of the season.
As you prepare for your own holiday gatherings, remember that it’s not just about the food—bringing thoughtful wines can elevate the entire dining experience. With expert recommendations and a focus on diversity in selections, your festive tables will be far from lackluster this year.
For more tips on holiday wines, explore these resources:
Madison Beer Survives Wardrobe Mishap: A Close Call on the Red Carpet
Madison Beer, the 26-year-old singer, showcased her style at the GQ Magazine "Men Of The Year 2025" event held at the Chateau Marmont. She donned a stunning black halter-neck dress with a plunging neckline and a daring high slit. Despite the risks of a wardrobe malfunction, Madison demonstrated quick thinking as she strategically layered her right leg over the slit to prevent any embarrassing exposure while the photographers snapped her picture.
This clever maneuver ensured she avoided any mishaps as she graced the red carpet. Her outfit was complemented with black pumps, delicate earrings, and an array of rings, while her glam makeup accentuated the night’s festive vibe.
Her appearance did not go unnoticed; fans flooded social media with admiration. Commenters praised her stunning looks, with one saying, “Oh look, it’s Madison Beer, the MOTHER OF THE YEAR!!!” while another exclaimed, “The face card, the hair, BODY IS TEA, you ate princess.” The overwhelming positivity continued with enthusiastic messages, underscoring her appeal.
The GQ event celebrated its 30th anniversary, featuring a lavish ’90s Hollywood theme and a performance from MJ Lenderman. Alongside Madison, A-list attendees included Hailey Bieber, Sydney Sweeney, Stephen Colbert, and Seth Rogen.
In addition, Madison delighted her fans with a social media post showcasing her glamorous outfit, set to “Take It on the Run” by REO Speedwagon, which quickly amassed a million likes and thousands of comments, shares, and retweets, demonstrating her strong connection with her audience.
Madison Beer’s Unmissable LBD: A Closer Look at Its Stunning Neckline
Madison Beer recently made a stunning appearance at the 2025 GQ Men of the Year event in Los Angeles, showcasing a daring little black dress (LBD) that turned heads. The outfit featured an eye-catching halter neckline and a high slit that elevated her look, while the back of the dress draped elegantly.
The singer complemented her look with chic, pointed-toe black pumps and styled her hair down, enhancing her captivating presence. Her makeup included defined eyes and nude brown lips, rounding out a flawless red-carpet appearance.
For additional details, refer to the original source at RealityTea.
Cheers to Sunshine: The Perfect Thanksgiving Beer That Elevates Your Feast
For many years, I have embraced Thanksgiving as a time to gather with my chosen family, inviting anyone who needs a warm meal and companionship. My traditional spread includes the classic roast turkey alongside mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and both pecan and pumpkin pie, along with some adventurous preparations like paella over a wood fire.
This year, I’m adding a twist to the classic fare with Swedish meatballs made from ground turkey and sage, served over mashed potatoes, while a pecan pie will satisfy the dessert cravings. As I think about drinks to accompany this feast, the world of beer pairings comes to mind, particularly with my friends joining this year’s celebration. After a little taste exploration, I have chosen three exceptional beers that will complement my Thanksgiving meal beautifully.
1. Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale
Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale stands out for its earthy maltiness, making it an excellent match for turkey with crispy skin and stuffing. With hints of dried fruit, it also pairs wonderfully with cranberry sauce. This beer’s nutty flavor blends seamlessly with desserts like pecan pie and even complements the spices in pumpkin pie. At a moderate 5% ABV, it’s versatile enough to enjoy throughout the meal.
Buy: Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale – $11.49 for a four-pack.
2. Lindeman’s Framboise
Lindeman’s Framboise serves as a delightful counterpoint to the richness of Thanksgiving dishes, akin to cranberry sauce. Its sweet, raspberry flavor combined with a hint of herbs complements herb-seasoned turkey perfectly. The beer’s fruity acidity provides a refreshing cleanse for the palate. Given its low 2.5% ABV, it’s a delightful option for every course of the meal.
Buy: Lindeman’s Framboise – $11.99 for a 750 mL bottle.
3. Mayflower Porter
Mayflower Porter comes highly recommended towards the end of the meal, especially alongside a slice of pecan pie. Its sweet and toasty notes, reminiscent of molasses, combined with deep flavors of dark chocolate and coffee, make it a rich experience akin to enjoying a mocha. With a 5.2% ABV, it is the strongest of the three, offering a strong finish to the festivities.
Find it in stores: Mayflower Porter.
What’s your favorite Thanksgiving beer? I’d love to hear your recommendations!
Revealing the World’s Best New Rye Whiskey: Highlights from the 2025 Top Shelf Awards
A transatlantic English-finished rye whiskey, Never Say Die, has been awarded the title of Best New Rye of 2025 at the Top Shelf Awards, held during the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. This accolade is particularly notable as it surpasses the accolades of larger American whiskey brands.
Never Say Die employs a unique production method where the rye is initially distilled and partially matured in Kentucky. This process includes a transatlantic journey that takes six weeks, during which the whiskey’s maturation continues in England’s cooler climate at the White Peak Distillery in Derbyshire. The combination of both locations results in a complex and elegant flavor profile appreciated by the judges.
During the Atlantic crossing, the spirit is constantly agitated due to the motion of the ship, enhancing the interaction between the whiskey and the oak cask. This method accelerates the development of flavors that would typically take longer in a traditional static warehouse setting.
The subsequent maturation in Derbyshire contrasts sharply with Kentucky’s volatile climate, allowing for milder aging conditions. This dual environment leads to a smoother and more rounded taste compared to traditional rye whiskies.
According to Brian Luftman, co-founder of Never Say Die, the brand aimed to innovate by taking American whiskey on a journey to explore how different environments could influence its character. The name Never Say Die pays homage to an American racehorse known for its perseverance, embodying the brand’s ethos of resilience.
The award-winning Never Say Die Rye Whiskey retails for $84.95 (£64.95) and is available at various retailers.
For more information, you can visit:
13 Simple Thanksgiving Cocktails to Enjoy While the Turkey Roasts
Thanksgiving is more than just a day of indulging in turkey and sides; it’s also an occasion for festive cocktails. If you’re looking to elevate your Thanksgiving dinner, here are some delightful cocktail recipes designed for both sipping prior to and during your meal.
1. Hot Caramel-Popcorn Bourbon Apple Cider
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without spiked cider. This recipe enhances the classic drink by infusing it with bourbon that’s been mixed with caramel popcorn. The final touch includes a pat of butter for a rich, buttery finish.Get Recipe
2. Into the Woods
For those preferring a chilled drink, this holiday cocktail combines bourbon, ginger beer, and hard cider, served over ice with a splash of lemon.Get Recipe
3. Everything Nice (Spiced-Rum Coffee With Butterscotch Whipped Cream)
Revive your spirits post-feast with this spiked coffee featuring rum and a smooth homemade butterscotch whipped cream, providing a comforting boost.Get Recipe
4. Old Fashioned Cocktails
Prepare this classic cocktail in batches to save time on Thanksgiving. Just combine whiskey, simple syrup, bitters, and a touch of water to compensate for the ice dilution.Get Recipe
5. Brown-Butter Old Fashioned
Upgrade your Old Fashioned by fat-washing the bourbon with browned butter to add a toasty richness.Get Recipe
6. Old Timber (Rye Cocktail With Fernet)
This robust cocktail blends rye with fernet and triple sec, providing a warm, aromatic experience perfect for fall gatherings.Get Recipe
7. Drunk Uncle (Scotch and Cynar Cocktail)
This savory twist on the Boulevardier uses peaty Islay Scotch and Cynar, a bitter liqueur, creating a unique flavor profile perfect for the holiday.Get Recipe
8. Tangy Cranberry–Black Pepper Shrub Cocktail
A lighter option, this cocktail is made with sparkling wine, flavored with a homemade cranberry-black pepper shrub for a refreshing taste.Get Recipe
9. A Minnesota Good-Bye (Cranberry French 75)
This twist features a cranberry cordial, gin, and pink grapefruit juice topped with sparkling wine, creating a festive and fruity drink.Get Recipe
10. Sweater Weather Punch (Scotch and Cranberry Cocktail)
This big-batch cocktail combines cranberry juice with Scotch and marmalade syrup to produce a tart yet smooth drink, perfect for large gatherings.Get Recipe
11. Cranberry in a Can (Batched Rye-Cranberry Shrub Cocktail)
Prepare this simple cocktail ahead of time with a cinnamon-spiced cranberry mixer that can be quickly converted into a delicious drink.Get Recipe
12. Make-Ahead Fig and Cinnamon Punch
This rum punch recipe features dried figs and Madeira, allowing for an easy, make-ahead drink that will impress your guests.Get Recipe
These cocktails are sure to bring festive cheer to your Thanksgiving table, making your holiday gathering one to remember.
Canerock Caribbean Rum Secures Listing at Sainsbury’s: A New Taste of the Caribbean
Caribbean rum brand Canerock has made its debut in grocery stores through a new listing at Sainsbury’s. The flagship product, Canerock Rum, is now available in 400 Sainsbury’s locations for a retail price of £36.50 per 70cl bottle.
Canerock is characterized by its infusion of coconut, ginger, and Madagascan vanilla, offering drinkers a unique tasting experience with soft vanilla notes and a tropical character. The brand describes the flavor profile as rich with caramel, soft spices, raisins, and hints of allspice and oak tannins, best enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a mule cocktail.
According to Connie Brown, head of retail at Canerock’s brand owner, Maison Ferrand UK, the rum embodies “pure island spirit in a bottle,” emphasizing its smooth and flavorful qualities designed for leisurely sipping. The transition of production from Jamaica to Maison Ferrand’s dedicated West Indies Rum Distillery in Barbados allows for a closer connection to local, natural ingredients that enhance Canerock’s signature character. Brown added that despite the production changes, Canerock maintains its authentic Caribbean DNA, symbolizing the warmth and craftsmanship of the region.
This move signals a significant step for Canerock as it aims to reach a broader audience and allow rum enthusiasts in the UK to savor a “true taste of Barbados.”
For more details on Canerock, visit Sainsbury’s.
Rum Wednesday Spotlight: Discovering Sonrisa Rum
I understand why people typically associate rum with warm weather, given that it’s often produced in tropical climates and enjoyed at beach bars or by poolsides. While I appreciate a classic rum and cola or a double Hemingway daiquiri, I’ve discovered that rum can also be delightful in the colder months.
Some of my favorite winter rum beverages include hot buttered rum or a variation of the Dark ‘n’ Stormy with ginger tea. However, the autumnal cocktail I enjoy the most is the Havana Negroni, a nuanced twist on the classic Negroni that beautifully balances bitterness and sweetness. The recipe is simple: mix one part Campari, one part sweet vermouth, and one part dark rum. Stir over ice and strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice, garnished with an orange peel if desired.
What I love about this concoction is its versatility. You can adjust the "one part" measurement according to the number of drinks you’d like to make. While the Campari should remain unchanged, the sweet vermouth can be selected based on your flavor preferences, ranging from the rich notes of Carpano Antica to the more traditional Dolin Rouge.
As for the rum, it’s crucial to use dark rum. Recently, I’ve been using Sonrisa Reserva, which is produced in Puerto Rico. This rum has a rich depth of flavor, offering notes of cacao, caramel, and pipe tobacco that harmonize beautifully in a Havana Negroni. This particular rum won a Gold Medal at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and is aged for at least three years in used whiskey barrels, providing complex flavors comparable to high-end tequilas and whiskeys.
Sonrisa Reserva is distributed locally by Best Brands and is priced around $60, placing it alongside other premium rums in the market. I encourage you to indulge in a Havana Negroni this week, but perhaps stick to just one—after all, it’s a recipe that’s unapologetically strong on alcoholic content.
Madison Beer’s Slinky Dress Stuns Fans: Here’s Why Everyone is Obsessed!
Madison Beer recently captivated fans in a stunning black slinky dress at GQ’s Men of the Year 2025 event held at Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles. The Georges Hobeika halter dress, characterized by a high slit and bold neckline, provided a glamorous look that had many calling her the “prettiest.”
As she graced the red carpet, Beer enhanced her ensemble with dangling earrings, statement rings, and a bracelet from Melinda Maria. The overall appearance was complemented by glossy black pointed-toe heels, highlighting her fashion-forward style.
Following the event, Madison shared a carousel of mirror selfies on Instagram, further impressing her followers. Her fans responded with admiration, labeling her a “diva” and a “stunning queen.” The excitement surrounding her look has generated significant buzz on social media.
For more on Madison Beer’s fashion moments, you can view her posts here and other related articles about her stunning appearances.