Staff Favorites - Austin Jenkins

Austin Jenkins

Reviews

1999 Léoville-Barton, St-Julien
Review Date: 01-11-2023
A beautiful vintage is offered at a considerable value. the structure of the '99s is shining beautifully now, with firm yet soft tannins and a wonderfully medium-bodied palate. Some subtle savory quality but the gorgeous fruit associated with St Julien, and Leoville Barton isn't lost with age. Various red and blue fruit flavors offer themselves at the front of the palate while it finishes with notes of cedar and olive. Absolutely beautiful.
Price: $139.99 Add To Cart

Fortuna Sour Mash Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)
Review Date: 09-23-2022
Wow, it's not very often we get to encounter something so "new" and so refined. New is in quotation marks for the sake that Fortuna has a preexisting history. With that being said however this bottle is nothing to scoff at. The aromas just off the initial pour alone are enough to get the mouth-watering; brown sugar, and maple, with the most subtle char. The flavors are heavy on the warming-spice side but not so intense to the point of misbalance, it's chased by caramel for a long-lasting finish -- the texture is extremely silky. Even now as I'm writing this I'm considering going back for a second dram. This is a legendary bottle produced by a soon-to-be (if not already) legendary team. I foresee this bottle sweeping out in the coming days. And considering at the time of posting this the juice was bottled only one day ago, so get it while it's hot -- or rather, get it while you can.
Price: $84.99 Add To Waiting List

2016 Clément-Pichon, Haut-Médoc
Review Date: 09-11-2022
I feel as if often people who are perturbed by the Bordeaux quality are often introduced to overtly-complex wines with to much character to handle; this wine is extremely accessible. The wine has enough complexity to grip you in but not so much so you're finding yourself overwhelmed by its range. I'd easily offer this to someone attempting to enter the category. This '16 hosts a simple bouquet consisting of brown sugar, and baking chocolate with some present berry aromas. The flavor profile is delightfully simple: blackberries and raspberries with trace flavors of cinnamon and black pepper. This wine is ready to go now but I'm curious to see how it'll drink in '26. I'd assume just as easily but with a richer character.

Mii no Kotobuki "Pastoral Beauty" Hojo Biden Yamahai Junmai Sake (720ml)
Review Date: 09-10-2022
The boquet on this sake is insane! Red licorce, crushed almonds, and goat cheese layered atop soft notes of berries and melon. Flavor/texture profile is rich and creamy. An insane value considering how high quality this offering is!
Price: $29.99 Add To Cart

Smoke Wagon "Uncut - Unfiltered" Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)
Review Date: 08-23-2022
Honeycrisp apples, cinnamon, all spice, and a tinge of vanilla on the finish all wrapped up by a smooth yet warming texture, what more could you ask out of a bourbon? This bottle delivers. The back of the bottle reads "Not all barrels are created equal." This expression is a testament of how true that really is, grab one before it's gone.
Price: $64.99 Add To Cart

Blandy's 10-year-old Bual Madeira (500ml)
Review Date: 06-22-2022
Today we were fortunate enough to be taken through a Spain/port tasting by our buyer Kirk Walker! Additionally, he provided us with a pairing element that absolutely blew my socks off: Baul and custard! Okay, I know, that's sort of a no-brainer but what an awesome way to introduce a dessert wine. Flavors of orange peel, caramel, and maple syrup jump right out of the glass as their activated by the secondary fatty yet high-sugar element. Of course, I don't think a wine needs a pairing to be good, I'd drink this on its own with no issue, in fact, I already have!
Price: $31.99 Add To Cart

2010 Bodegas Casa Juan "Señor de Lesmos" Gran Reserva Rioja
Review Date: 06-22-2022
Twelve years of supreme age on this bottle, and a thirty dollar price point?... It's not a lie I assure you. The quality on this is insane, personally thus far since we've received it I've gone through two bottles myself. Everything you're wanting in a solid, upfront, and classic rioja is in this bottle -- jammy, spicy, some mild savory complexity with a nice rich and full texture. Also... The structure on this wine is insane, it'll age pretty nicely but there's no need for anyone more sleep on this bottle, it's ready to go now.
Price: $29.99 Add To Cart

2019 Herdade do Esporão "Esporão" Reserva Tinto Alentejo Portugal
Review Date: 06-22-2022
Everything but the kitchen sink in this wine, six different grape varietals and a whole lot of flavor, structure is fantastic. Honestly, I was personally overwhelmed with the amount of grapes that are going into this blend but grape lends a distinct character and flavor to the wine. Texturally smooth, a progressive yet bold body, flavors ranging from warming spices to ripe red fruit... The list goes on! At twenty one a bottle the value really can't be beat, it'll age beautifully -- although, I won't blame you if you drink it now.
Price: $21.99 Add To Cart

Gin Mare "Capri" Limited Edition Mediterranean Gin (700ml)
Review Date: 06-08-2022
Candied citrus and beautiful juniper. This gin will be visited over the summer for a delicious G&T. I don't necessarily think this spirit needs cocktail support but the more I drink it the more I fantasize about what can be! However, with the natural citrus content of this gin accompanied by the soft bite of juniper I believe it'll be perfect with two cubes of ice and a gentle twist of lemon, the Gin Mare label wins again!
Price: $44.99 Add To Cart

Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin (750ml)
Review Date: 06-08-2022
Oily, savory, and complex... God, what a drink this is. I'm personally not the expert on gin nor do I drink it often but when I'm able to find a bottle I enjoy... I never let it go! The flavor of olives is distinct, the herbs utilized thyme, rosemary, and basil are a great support for an already delicious primary botanical. Over ice or in a Martini this Gin makes a perfect treat for any gin drinker looking to expand their horizons!
Price: $39.99 Add To Cart

Nikka "Yoichi" Japanese Single Malt Whisky (750ml)
Review Date: 05-19-2022
Nikka malts are a consistent product. There often refined but offer a depth of flavor without compromising their delicate profile. The Yoichi malt is no exception. Scents are reminiscent of black pepper and brown sugar with some minor notes of mango; however, its in no way overpowering as often those notes can be they marry well for a mouth-watering opening. Tastes kick off with some spices; black pepper followed by minor notes of anise. From there we transition into some tropical notes: coconut, and mango come to mind right off the bat. It's gently wrapped up by some warming spices: cinnamon, cardamon, and coriander. The peat offers some textural complexity, pairing well with the front, and finish of the palate. The Yoishi is a delicious hay-yellow malt that can be enjoyed neat or however you please. I whole heartedly believe there's not much that can diminish the quality of this malt.
Price: $74.99 Add To Cart

Nikka "Miyagikyo" Japanese Single Malt Whisky (750ml)
Review Date: 05-19-2022
In terms of high quality, Japanese malts Nikkas' Miyagikyo is a coveted bottle. This whiskey is a gorgeous golden hue. It's not too weighty, pours into the glass like air! The nose on this bottle is elegant, with cherry blossoms, cut red apples, and even fresh-pressed pineapple juice! That's not the end though, right on the dredges of the nose is the sweet scent of caramelized sugar. Some textural complexity here dances on the tongue without being too overbearing on the palate, this plays in nicely with the warming spices you catch on taste. Cinnamon and cardamon play well with a persistent note of red apples. This whisky speaks for itself, honestly. No amount of my words will do it justice -- give it a try and see for yourself.
Price: $74.99 Add To Cart

The Botanist Islay Dry Gin (750ml)
Review Date: 04-02-2022
My single malt senses are tingling... Wait!... This isn't malt!... It's gin! Bruichladdich is an extraordinary gin out from the Isle of Islay, twenty two native botanicals are used in this gins conception. It's flavors are lush, real great juniper bite with a wonderful saltiness on the finish.
Price: $34.99 Add To Cart

Martin Miller's Westbourne Strength London Dry Gin (750ml)
Review Date: 04-02-2022
An interesting London dry, of course as the name states its produced in London and has a great classic botanical list; however, it's water is sourced from Iceland! Once the gin arrives in a village called Borgarnes it's blended with fresh water from the Selyri spring. The inclusion of fresh water offers the gin a softer body, and smoother liquid texture. An awesome London dry that'll be great over ice, or in a martini.
Price: $36.99 Add To Cart

Beefeater London Dry Gin (750ml)
Review Date: 04-02-2022
A wonderful London dry gin at a phenomenal value. Perfect for G&T's. Real crisp juniper on this one with great classic flavors, can't pass this up!
Price: $16.99 Add To Cart

Tedorigawa Kinka "Gold Blossom" Daiginjo Nama Sake 720ml
Review Date: 02-26-2022
Another successful Sake Saturday; watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew... All the melons! How wonderfully refreshing this sake was, a bit on the drier side those fruit notes are accompanied by none of the sugar, giving their truest, and rawest flavor! The nose was slightly floral, just faint enough to pick it up, but not present enough to be overwhelming. The finish was a wonderful umami, minor saline quality with some soft vegetation -- a real beautiful crisp piece of nori! The "Gold Blossom" Daiginjo Nama is absolutely delicious... Oh, I almost forgot to mention, nama translates to 'raw' this sake is unpasteurized, meaning those flavors its offering are coming in their freshest, and purest form - keep cold, and enjoy quickly!
Price: $39.99 Add To Cart

Fukucho "Moon on the Water" Junmai Ginjo Sake (720ml)
Review Date: 02-20-2022
Fragrant, expressive, and deceptively fruity; what a fine sake this is! Only in the past two or so months have I found myself gravitating to this category of beverage, and well.. I'm happy that I am! This Junmai Ginjo is beautifully balanced; fragrant cherry blossom and floral perfume, fresh melon and banana mash, and a minor saline quality that just ever so slightly lingers on the palate... Umami! Glorious Umami! With a Nihonshu-do level of +3 this Sake fringes on the border between dry, and sweet. A great compromise for anyone looking for a fruit bomb, or a more complex expression... If you're someone looking for both.. This is the perfect bottle!
Price: $36.99 Add To Cart

Highland Park 15 Year Old "Viking Heart" Isle of Orkney Single Malt Whisky (750ml)
Review Date: 11-20-2021
This single malt is an absolute treat -- extremely mellow on the nose: this whisky invokes scents similar to fresh vanilla, hot honey, and soft touches of maple. The palate offers flavors reminiscent of a decadent angel's food cake. On the middle palate, there's the acidity and sweetness of fresh pineapple that's tied up by a soft cinnamon finish. Sweet and delicate - Highland Park has produced a whiskey at a great age statement, a must-buy for anyone looking to enjoy a subtle bottle by a well-seasoned producer.
Price: $119.99 Add To Cart

St. George "Baller" Single Malt California Whiskey (750ml)
Review Date: 10-30-2021
A mildly complex single malt: St. George “Baller” Single Malt Whiskey is an array of floral flavors and scents, ranging from wildflowers to dried rose petals – this sweet, and decadent whiskey has a lighter body, velvety texture that delivers flavors like citrus zest, baking spices, and delicious chocolate malt chased subtly by a lingering plum finish. A perfect whiskey for drinking straight or making its name’s sake: The Highball.
Price: $49.99 Add To Cart

Animas Joven Mezcal (750ml)
Review Date: 10-30-2021
In terms of reasonably priced Mezcal, this bottle is a gem. For its value it has a near endless amount to offer to anyone who’s looking to enjoy it. On the nose you’re immediately met with an array of rich, and juicy fruit notes: Citrus and Pineapple –followed by green bell pepper, and the soft bite of serrano peppers. The palate offers all the same if not more, wrapping it up in a wonderful savory subtle smoke that leaves the drinker wanting for another sip. Perfectly balanced, and perfectly accessible.
Price: $34.99 Add To Cart

More Favorites

Austin Jenkins is also a fan of the following items. To become a fan of Austin Jenkins, click here to join Austin Jenkins's Personal Sommelier Service.
W.B. Saffell Limited Edition Batch #1 107 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (375ml) ($49.99)

Knob Creek 12 Year Old Small Batch 100 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($54.99)