My Most Memorable Wines of 2024 đ·
I taste 2,000 plus wines each year, and a handful always rise to the top. Sometimes itâs their exceptional quality, other times their uniqueness or outstanding value. Price isnât always the determining factorâfar from it. Last year, the most expensive wine I tasted was over $3,000 a bottle, yet it didnât make the cut. -Armando Luis, Owner & Wine Director, Sparrow W&L Co.
Schramberg Vineyards đ„Established in 1862 by German immigrant Jacob Schram in Napa Valley, Schramsberg Vineyards is one of Californiaâs oldest wineries, with a storied history rooted in tradition. After decades of inactivity, the estate was revitalized in 1965 when Jack and Jamie Davies acquired it, introducing groundbreaking innovations such as the first commercial use of Chardonnay in American sparkling wine with their 1965 Blanc de Blancs. Schramsberg gained national prominence in 1972 when its sparkling wine was served at President Nixonâs historic âToast to Peaceâ in China, marking the beginning of its association with U.S. state functions. Today, Schramsberg is celebrated as a leading producer of sparkling wines in the United States, renowned for its exceptional quality and historical significance. -Armando Luis, Owner & Wine Director, Sparrow W&L Co.
Keenan Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 đ·
Keenan Winery, perched on the historic Spring Mountain District in Napa Valley, is celebrated for its rich heritage and distinctive terroir. Established in 1974 by Robert Keenan, the winery revitalized an 80-acre site once home to vineyards dating back to the late 19th century. Keenanâs vision preserved the areaâs legacy while focusing on producing premium mountain-grown wines. Today, the estate is managed by Michael Keenan, who continues the family tradition with a deep commitment to quality and sustainability.
The vineyard's unique terroir is characterized by volcanic soils, high elevations ranging from 1,700 to 2,000 feet, and cool marine breezes, which create ideal conditions for producing complex, age-worthy wines. With over 50 acres planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel, Keenan crafts wines that balance intensity with elegance. Emphasizing solar power and organic farming, the winery reflects a harmonious blend of history, environmental stewardship, and exceptional winemaking. -Armando Luis, Owner & Wine Director, Sparrow W&L Co.
Watch Laz share his excitement about Barrel Aged Beer! đș
The Goose Island Bourbon County Brand project is an annual series of barrel-aged stouts by Chicagoâs Goose Island Brewery. First released in 1992, it pioneered bourbon barrel-aged beer. Each yearâs release features flavors like bourbon, vanilla, coffee, cherries, or spices. The beer is aged in bourbon barrels, gaining notes of oak, caramel, and dark fruit. Known for its rich character and high alcohol content, it has a cult following, with fans anticipating Black Friday releases. It highlights the breweryâs craftsmanship and sets a benchmark for barrel-aged stouts.
Evil Twin Brewing is a renowned craft brewery known for bold, experimental beers. Its NYC locations produce unique stouts, sours, and IPAs, often featuring creative flavors and barrel-aging.
Elena Walch Pinot Grigio 2023 đ Elena Walch Winery, a five-generation family estate in Alto Adige, Italy, is renowned for revolutionizing regional wine quality while blending tradition with innovation. Established by Elena Walch, an architect who married into a historic wine family, the estate spans 90 hectares, including iconic single vineyards like Vigna Castel Ringberg in Caldaro and Vigna Kastelaz in Tramin. Known for award-winning varietal wines and celebrated cuvĂ©es such as "Beyond the Clouds," the winery benefits from Alto Adigeâs unique terroirâa balance of Mediterranean warmth and cool alpine nights. Pioneering sustainable practices, Elena introduced modern techniques like high-density planting and French oak barriques, later embraced by her daughters Julia and Karoline, educated in Burgundy and Bordeaux. Their vineyards, ranging from 1,080 to 3,000 feet, yield expressive whites and velvety reds, with GewĂŒrztraminer and Lagrein as highlights. Deeply rooted in sustainability and terroir, the estate exemplifies Alto Adigeâs finest winemaking traditions. -Armando Luis, Owner & Wine Director, Sparrow W&L Co.
Today from 12-3pm at the UPTOWN store! đâïž đ„ Join us for a festive tasting featuring Schramsberg and Mirabelle sparkling wines!
Schramberg Vineyards đ„Established in 1862 by German immigrant Jacob Schram in Napa Valley, Schramsberg Vineyards is one of Californiaâs oldest wineries, with a storied history rooted in tradition. After decades of inactivity, the estate was revitalized in 1965 when Jack and Jamie Davies acquired it, introducing groundbreaking innovations such as the first commercial use of Chardonnay in American sparkling wine with their 1965 Blanc de Blancs. Schramsberg gained national prominence in 1972 when its sparkling wine was served at President Nixonâs historic âToast to Peaceâ in China, marking the beginning of its association with U.S. state functions. Today, Schramsberg is celebrated as a leading producer of sparkling wines in the United States, renowned for its exceptional quality and historical significance. -Armando Luis, Owner & Wine Director, Sparrow W&L Co.
Adobe generative AI terms
Barrell Craft Spirits Barrell Vantage Bourbon đ„
Barrell Bourbons are made in small batches, featuring distinctive blends of straight bourbons aged and bottled at cask strength. Celebrated for its commitment to quality and authenticity, Barrell Craft Spirits offers a true bourbon experience without added flavors or filtration. Enjoy neat or on the rocks for a whiskey rich in character and depth with every pour.
Bodegas Vatan Triton Tinta de Toro 2020 đ·
The region of Toro produces wine exclusively from Tinta de Toro grapes, which is the local clone of the famed Tempranillo grape. The vineyards in this region are some of the oldest in Spain, some dating back to before 1900. At Vatan, viticulture is traditional, dry-farmed, organic, and practiced with hand cultivation on sandy loam soils, which protected the area from phylloxera. These soils, rich in iron and layered with red clay, contribute to the wine's unique characteristics. Toroâs climate is continental and dry, marked by extreme day-night temperature shifts. Winemaking includes de-stemming, fermentation in open vats, and aging for 12 months in used barriques. Triton Tinta de Toro represents a vibrant expression of Spainâs oldest Tempranillo clone, reflecting a heritage dating back to the Middle Ages. Toro wines were historically significant, even accompanying Spanish explorers to the New World.
-Armando Luis, Owner & Wine Director, Sparrow W&L Co.
Watch Laz talk about our in-stock Winter beersđ» Warm up your holidays with the rich, festive flavors of winter brewsâperfect for cozy nights and cheerful gatherings!
Sampling Tonight at UPTOWN Store from 5-8pm for Whiskey & Argmanac Lovers đ„
Stop by to experience the rare legacy of Bhakta Spirits. We will be featuring Bhakta 2012, 2013, 2014, and the extraordinary Bhakta 1928. Each pour offers a journey through rich, historic flavors, blending centuries-old traditions with exceptional aging. Donât miss this chance to taste these unique expressions and uncover the depth of Bhaktaâs craft.
Coppo Barbera dâAsti Camp Rouss 2021 đ·
Located in the heart of Piedmont, Italy, Coppo is committed to crafting exceptional Barbera and Moscato wines. Founded in 1892 by the Coppo family, the winery has built a legacy of quality and innovation, combining traditional winemaking techniques with modern practices. The estate's vineyards are situated in some of the finest grape-growing regions, benefiting from the region's unique climate and fertile soils. This careful selection of sites allows Coppo to create wines that are both expressive and reflective of their terroir. The winery is dedicated to sustainable agriculture, ensuring that its practices not only enhance the quality of the grapes but also protect the environment. With a focus on meticulous vineyard management and a passion for excellence, Coppo Winery produces wines celebrated for their richness, elegance, and vibrant character that represent the essence of Piedmont in every sip. -Armando Luis, Owner & Wine Director, Sparrow W&L Co.
