Viaje “Satori” karma 2012

Satori, the name of this cigar line, is Japanese and, translated, means enlightment; this may seem like an odd name for a dark, oscuro wrapped cigar, but it is Viaje owner Andres Farkas’ tribute to the many meaningful and “enlightening ” conversations that often take place while enjoying a good cigar. I think the name is perfectly suited, and this is a fantastic cigar to accompany a good conversation.  It is definitely a full bodied, and full flavoured, cigar, though still quite smooth. The dark fruit notes play well with the strength, and the slow burn gives one plenty of time to contemplate the intricacies of the cigar,  or perhaps something even deeper…

Caymus Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

The are a select few names that automatically come to mind when pondering Napa Cabs; one that falls into that category, and happens to be one of my perennial favorites,  is Caymus Vineyards’ Cabernet Sauvignon.  The 2009 vintage ended up being quite controversial due to Caymus’ decision to leave the grapes on the vine through a wet period that caused most vineyards to harvest early. This left the wine with a bit more residual sugar than is typical, basically turning the vintage into a love it or hate it wine. One’s react to the 2009 Caymus Cab seems to be intensely personal, varying greatly between individuals, so all I can give is my personal opinion, and that is, while the 2009 is very different than typical Caymus releases, it is very well done, and I have greatly enjoyed it.

Cellars Baronia del Montsant “Englora” 2008

This wine is from a region of Spain (the Montsant region, which lies within the greater Catalonia region) that I have never paid any attention to. I had heard a rumor that this area is producing killer wines for incredibly low prices, and racking up outstanding ratings, so naturally I picked up several bottles. This is the first I have opened and I am definitely impressed; it has many characteristics of Spanish and French wines, with much more sophistication and elegance than I would have anticipated, and for, at most, half of what I would expect to pay if asked after a blind tasting.

Chateau Les Trois Croix 2006

The 2006 Chateau Les Trois Croix is a Fronsac appellation Bordeaux. Its most definining attribute, to me, is being a good (though not great) wine from a mediocre vintage that is very approachable, and drinking really well right now (but by that same token I would not let this sit past 2013). I highly recommend picking up a bottle; the price is right and, like I said earlier, it is drinking well right now, basically it is easily enjoyable.

Tatuaje Monster Series 2012 “The Mummy”

Every year Pete Johnson, owner of Tatuaje cigars, put out, what I consider, one of the most interesting projects in the cigar industry- The Monster Series. Just before Halloween for the last five years Tatuaje has released a limited edition cigar inspired by a monster from a classic horror movie, and this years monster, and cigar, was the Mummy. One would be justified in jumping to the conclusion that this is simply a marketing gimmick, but, while I will grant that it is great marketing, it is no gimmick. This years release stands out as one of the best, and possibly the most complex, of the Monster Series yet.

Alec Bradley Fine and Rare 2012

Often it is difficult for a cigar to live up to it name given the industry’s propensity for the grandiose; few would have a steeper hill to climb (so to speak)  than Alec Bradley’s Fine and Rare, but, for the second year in a row, they have succeeded monumentally with this extremely limited cigar.

Orin Swift “The Prisoner” 2009

This is a wine that I can not recommend highly enough. Orin Swift has been one of the most creative, and consistent, wine makers in the world for several years now. this is his Zinfandel blend and it just pops with flavor, I do have a preference for the 2008 and 2009 vintages over the 2010, but I would not say the 2010 The Prisoner is bad by any means, just not quite as good.

Amici Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

a Amici Cellars is a quite small production and definitely not well-known (not yet at least), but they definitely should be. This is their core Cabernet Sauvignon, and it is a great, straight forward Napa Cab, with quality apparent all the way through.