RETURN OF RUSSIAN RIVER The fires over the past 10 years in the Santa Rosa region of northern California have been devastat- ing. The Sonoma Complex fires of 2017 killed 24 people and left over 100,000 displaced. 5,300 homes were lost. Natalie and Vinnie Clurizo are the owners of Russian River Brewing in Santa Rosa, CA. The Clurizo’s were part of evacuations in the area. Apparently, the fire came within a mile of the brewery. Little did they know that 2017 was only a peak into what was in store in 2019. It’s been a rough past 7 years in the Russian River Valley. Nevertheless, they persevered. Immediately after the 2017 fires Natalie and Vinnie established a charity that benefits the displaced people from those fires. Breweries around the country brew a version of ‘Sonoma Pride’ and all proceeds from the sales of that beer go to their foundation. Champions of their community and just solid folks that deserve all of the support in the world. Russian River Brewing ‘Mind Circus Hazy IPA, Santa Rosa, CA 7% ABV If you haven’t had the beers of Russian River Brewing, well, you’re missing out! Icons of the northern California craft beer scene going back decades. The list of world-class beers they produce is long so let’s just talk about the ‘Mind Circus’ Hazy IPA. To be perfectly candid, an IPA would probably be the last thing I typically order. Too heavy, gassy, strong. This offering however is so, so delicious. It’s 7% so it’s no slouch but it is beautifully balanced and fresh. They add some oat to the mash bill to give it a softer mouthfeel. I’ve just been waiting to use that word. You still have to visit the brewery to get some of the low volume stuff, but you can’t go wrong with anything.
LONG LIVE TEMPRANILLO Bodegas Emilio Moro could not have a better repu- tation. It’s just bonkers good juice. These wines always over-deliver. Wines from 125-year-old vines of Tempranillo for $40? Add in their back- ground of philanthropy focused especially on disabled children. Bodegas Emilio Moro was one of the first wineries to have a braille translation on every wine label. It’s an amazing place and all of you should visit. I can’t get over how Spanish wines of phenomenal quality continue to be of such value. Bodegas Emilio Moro 2019 ‘Malleolus’ 100% Tempranillo, Ribera del Duero, Spain I’ve given up the big, heavy reds. Can’t do it anymore. I’m not the man I used to be. Enter Tempranillo. Robust enough to scratch that itch and yet surprisingly medium bodied with a burst of freshness and acid. BRILLIANT with any food. So versatile and delicious I could go on and on. The 2019 Malleolus was highly rated across the board and the wine lives up to that hype. For this tasting, I opened the bottle, put my kids to bed, 20 min later I poured a glass. Throw it in a decanter to speed it up a bit. Don’t be gentle for younger vintages, give it a good hard swirl. Sandalwood, vanilla, tobacco and leather. Ripe luscious plums and sage. Perfect for any meal, anyone that likes wine will love this. I’m sure you can tell that I hated it. A bottle of this shouldn’t be too hard to find. Expect to pay $40-$60 for this retail. A massive bargain.
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