The Next Great International Gin Arrives in CA

Not since Australia’s Four Pillars landed nearly a decade ago has an international gin producer arrived in America with as much hype and critical praise as Vietnam’s Lady Trieu. 

Asia’s most-awarded spirit has hit our store just in time for holiday gifting, and our sales team has been waiting impatiently for this moment. Distilled in the rural Saigon countryside of Củ Chi using local botanicals and spices, Lady Trieu’s delicate citrus notes combined with fragrant aromas of hibiscus, oolong tea, and long red peppers, give it a flavor profile that is completely unique from the classic London Dry and New American expressions that have dominated the last decade. The distillery’s custom-designed gin still beautifully captures the essence of each ingredient, giving the spirit a profile of orange peel, juniper, agua fresca, and subtle spice.

With a recent gold medal under its belt from the 2024 World Gin Awards, the interest in Lady Trieu’s legend peaked here in Los Angeles earlier this Fall. The rumors that it might be making its way to California became reality this month when the brand made its soft launch here in SoCal. The largely female distilling team has also become the topic de jour of the international spirits industry, not to mention the Vietnamese community. 

If you need a last-minute holiday gift for the gin lover in your life, this is the bottle. Not only is the package beautiful, the overall drinking experience of Lady Trieu is simultaneously luxurious and exotic. It’s one of the most exciting new spirits to hit the market this year and we’re thrilled to have landed it before the year ends.

Lady Trieu Contemporary Vietnam Gin $39.99

SoCal's Premier Wine Growing Region Overdelivers

“The negociant arm of Sashi Moorman and Rajat Parr's collaboration, Sandhi continues to deliver purity, focus and precision seemingly on demand. In addition to sourcing from an enviable array of top-tier sites in Sta. Rita Hills, they have begun including sections of the Domaine de la Côte. The 2022 Sandhi Chardonnay overdelivers for a regional wine.

-Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

How many Angelenos are aware that our Southern California wine country has some of the chalkiest soils outside of Chablis sitting right here in our backyard?

Here at MIssion, we’re huge fans of the Santa Rita Hills Chardonnays because of their incredible combination of acidity, minerality, and fruit. Completely unlike the oaky and buttery Chardonnay wines from up north, the SoCal wines from this appellation are steely and precise, with laser-like precision that offers supreme refreshment and depth.

While the top-tier Chardonnays from the Santa Rita Hills generally clock in between $60 - $100 per bottle, the 2022 Sandhi clocks in at just $29.99 and offers much of the excitement we find in the pricier single vineyard expressions.

If you want to understand just how awesome these wines are before spending double or triple on a bottle, this is where you start. SoCal’s premier Chardonnays are on par with some of the best French Burgundies. The 2022 Sandhi is an introduction to a greater world from the most exciting wine region in the entire state; plus, the fruit is 100% from Domaine de la Côte, which sells for much, much more than $29.99.

95 POINTS: JAMES SUCKLING - A vivid, racy and well-balanced wine with great acidity and vibrant citrus, crisp pear and apple flavors on a silky texture. So light-bodied, elegant and linear in character.

92 POINTS: WINE SPECTATOR - Opens with a mouthwatering mix of Meyer lemon, pomelo, freshly grated ginger, Honeycrisp apple and green tea flavors. Hints of toasted herbs, sea salt and orange zest linger on the finish.

91 POINTS: ROBERT PARKER’S WINE ADVOCATE - Sourced from selections planted at Domaine de la Côte, the 2022 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills is more floral than saline on the nose, introducing a focused, laser-like palate whose precision overdelivers for a regional wine. It finishes with a lovely textural richness framed with an oceanic lift, making for a charming and accurate showing of the Sta. Rita Hills.

90 POINTS: VINOUS - The 2022 Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills) is a tense, nely-cut Chardonnay. Bright citrus peel, white flowers, chalk, mint and white pepper lend notable brilliance throughout. All of this fruit is from Domaine de la Côte.

Save Big on Perennial 90+ Point Cabernet

The ratings are still out for the outstanding 2022 vintage in Napa, but here’s a quick snapshot of the Hess Allomi Cabernet brand’s trajectory over time:

2021: 93 Points - Wine Spectator & Wine Enthusiast

2019: 90 Points - Wine Enthusiast

2018: 90 Points - Wine Spectator

2016: 90 Points - Wine Spectator

2015: 90 Points - Wine Enthusiast & Robert Parker

Given the ripeness and the richness of the warm 2022 growing season in Napa, the 2022 Hess Allomi is a lush and mouth-coating wine that embodies the flavors of classic California Cabernet, with blackberries, blueberries, and a bit of anise and sassafras.

You can wait for what is certain to be another 90 point score for the 2022 vintage, or you can trust in this wine’s impeccable history and take advantage of our ridiculous price of $23.99 today. If you’re still looking for that crowd-pleasing red to adorn your Thanksgiving table, drop by any of our five locations today!

Glenfiddich’s Throwback 19 Year Old

Not only is Glenfiddich one of Scotland’s oldest and most iconic distilleries, it’s also one of the last family-owned.

With the consolidation of corporate-owned single malts into global portfolios, Glenfiddich remains in the hands of the Grant family, who continues to operate the historic distillery in conjunction with Balvenie, forming what is easily the most heralded duo in all of single malt whisky.

There’s a reason Glenfiddich (along with Balvenie) continues to create amazing whiskies year after year after year: the Grant family has kept standards high and quality strong for a century and a half. Whereas many of our favorite single distilleries have had their reputations watered down by financial ambition and corporate realignment, Glenfiddich has remained a true unicorn, capable of greatness without the need for gimmicky marketing.

Case in point: the fantastic new 19 year old Bourbon Barrel Reserve, which tastes like a throwback to the old days of Glenfiddich when single malt whisky was just straightforward and outstanding. There are no tricks to this whisky, whatsoever. It’s just a simple 19 year maturation in ex-Bourbon barrels, allowing the vanilla, fruit, and spice of the whisky to shine through.

There’s so much toffee and vanilla on the finish that it comes across as creme brulée-like in a river of richness that lasts for minutes. For those shopping for the high holidays, the new 19 year old Bourbon Barrel Reserve is also certified Kosher Mehadrin.

If you like really good single malt Scotch that tastes like old fashioned, no frills, just downright delicious Scotch whisky from the past, the new 19 year old Glenfiddich hits every note: texture, weight, sweetness, depth, and deliciousness. Just like the Grant family has been doing for almost 150 years at this point. 

Glenfiddich Special Reserve 19 Year Old Bourbon Barrel Matured Single Malt Whisky $179.95

Italy's Top Emerging Winery Arrives at Mission

The first time we tried the white wines from Maugeri, we knew immediately they were something special. Given the estate has only been in production for the past few years, we were completely out of the loop when our friends at Oliver McCrum Imports poured the high-end expressions for us at a recent appointment.

Then the big announcement came out.

This past month, Gambero Rosso awarded just two white wines from Etna the coveted Tre Bicchieri (three glasses) as the region’s best, and Maugeri’s Etna Bianco Superiore Contrada Volpare was one of them.

In addition to the Tre Bicchieri, Maugeri was also honored with the award of top emerging winery in all of Italy, with Gambero Rosso writing: “Etna continues to produce spectacular new labels and new wineries. In just three harvests, the winery of Renato Maugeri and his daughters Carla, Michela, and Paola has established itself as one of the denomination’s most significant, from vineyard-specific winemaking to a complete hospitality system.”

What makes the wines from Maugeri so distinctive is their dedication to typicality and locality. There’s no flashy winemaking interfering with the inherent character of the grapes or the expression of the land. The location is allowed to speak for itself and the Maugeri family has proven itself to be the perfect steward for these vineyards.

There are three core wines from Maugeri, but we are focusing on just one of them today: the 2022 Contrada Praino “Frontemare” Etna Bianco Superiore. Made from 100% Carricante, the wine has the same creaminess of texture and flinty minerality we expect from top Burgundy producers in Montrachet. Grown in sandy decomposed lava soil near Milo, on the east side of Mount Etna, the vines were planted around 2010, on terraces surrounded by dry-stone walls and forest, at about 2,300 feet above sea level. The fruit from this vineyard translates into flavors of wet stones and Mediterranean herbs in the glass with bright acidity and a stunning minerality that transcends the finish.

2022 Contrada Praino “Frontemare” Etna Bianco Superiore $74.99

94 POINTS: JAMES SUCKLING - Fresh and crunchy with sliced lemon, spiced pear and cooked apple with bright acidity. Medium body, with a solid and layered core of fruit. It’s bright yet deep with plenty of structure and fruit. Flinty and minerally at the end. Drink or hold.

93 POINTS: VINOUS - The 2022 Etna Bianco Superiore Contrada Praino Frontemare opens slowly with a nuanced blend of citrus-tinged green apples, ginger and candied lime. This is cool-toned in feel with soft textures and ripe orchard fruits that swirl across a core of brisk acidity. Its minerality comes through on the flinty, stony finish, tapering off with a subtle hint of chamomile.

GAMBERO ROSSO - Tre Bicchieri (Three Glasses) - Highest Score

One of Italy's Most Outstanding White Wines

While the big scores and Parker points are usually reserved for red wines, those of us in the wine industry tend to drink a lot more white wine these days—especially from Italy. With so many incredible and expressive native grape varieties, there is much to explore from north to south.

Most red wine lovers know Prà for its incredible Amarone, but today we want to highlight one of its most dynamic whites: the incredible Monte Grande Soave Classico. Made from one single vineyard planted to Garganega and Trebbiano on volcanic soils, the minerality is what immediately stands out. The wine’s unique character is why Prà keeps this vineyard’s fruit separate from its other white wines, creating one of the region’s most coveted crus.

As Eric Guido wrote for Vinous, the wine has “wonderful lift” with texture and richness reminiscent of a great white Burgundy. Yet, while the best Burgundy crus will run you $100 or more, you can enjoy a similar level of quality from Italy at just $39.99.

If you’re a Chardonnay fan looking to branch out, or you need the perfect off-the-beaten-path Thanksgiving wine, we highly recommend trying this. There are few wines with this much precision and depth under $50 these days.

2021 Prà Soave Classico Monte Grande $39.99

93 POINTS: VINOUS -  A vivid blend of wildflowers, yellow apples and ground ginger forms a captivating bouquet as the 2021 Soave Classico Monte Grande blossoms in the Soave Classico Veneto. This is round and supple, with cooling minerality and fresh acidity, adding wonderful lift as ripe pit-fruits and minty herbal tones resonate. A tinge of lime and a salty flourish add lovely punctuation as the 2021 finishes long and staining, yet graceful and floral. What a darling.

93 POINTS: WINE ENTHUSIAST - Aromas of an elegant bouquet of white blossoms, crushed stones and ripe apricots. Its palate elegantly navigates between a silky texture and a vibrant acidity, culminating in a flinty minerality that captures the essence of the Soave landscape.

The Single Malt Scotch Whisky Deal of 2024

The single malt whiskies bottled by Alexander Murray need little introduction to our Scotch connoisseurs here at Mission. Just about every time we feature a new AM release it sells out as fast as it came in, and those of you who shop at Costco already know the amazing value of their Kirkland single malt releases.

Hence, when Alexander Murray reached out to us recently about the remaining inventory for a bespoke private label 12 year old, our ears perked right up. Here’s the scoop:

An American retailer commissioned the Scotston 12 year earlier this year, but was not able to deplete the inventory. There were still 600 bottles remaining in the Alexander Murray warehouse that needed a home, so we worked out a price for that inventory. Whereas that retailer was selling the Scotston 12 year for $40 a bottle, we’re offering it today for just $25.99.

What are the specs, you ask?

12 year old single malt whisky from an undisclosed Highland distillery. Fortunately, we know which distillery it came from and we’re thrilled as to its origins. Per our contract, we cannot reveal that name, but we can tell you two things: the distillery name starts with a “B” and it does have its own full-time brand on the market (which we carry at Mission). Compared to the cost of that distillery bottling, you’re saving $40 per bottle.

Named after the birthplace of Alexander Murray, the Scotston 12 year is the best deal on any single malt whisky we’ve both seen and tasted in 2024. It’s rich and inviting on the palate with rounded honey notes, creamy barley, a hint of citrus, and loads of vanilla on the finish. You could buy a case of this for holiday gifts and the recipients would believe you spent a lot more than $25.99. Trust us.

We’ve got 600 bottles and when it’s gone, that’s it. Do yourself a favor: order a bottle immediately and taste it ASAP. Once you realize how good of a deal this is, we can promise you’ll want multiples.

Scotston Highland Single Malt 12 Year Old $25.99

Belle Glos Single Vineyard Pinot 50% Off

Joe Wagner’s Belle Glos label has been one of California’s most prestigious over the last decade, with a bottle almost as iconic as Maker’s Mark with its recognizable red wax seal. While not quite as famous as his signature Caymus brand, it’s a close second in terms of popularity.

Working with single vineyards near the Pacific Ocean, the goal of the label was to showcase California’s best coastal sites and highlight the merit of our state’s Pinot Noir, with wines made in a similarly rich style for fans of Caymus.

We almost never see deals for wines of this status and caliber here at Mission, but we’re living in strange times and it feels like anything can happen in the wine and spirits industry each day we show up to work. As you can imagine, we were shocked to procure this deal today: a single vineyard Belle Glos Pinot Noir from Eulenloch Vineyard in Napa.

Located in Carneros, Eulenloch’s clay soils and cool breezes create Pinot Noir grapes with nuance and complexity, bolstered by richness from new French oak barrel aging. For those of you who like rich and mouth-filling Pinot Noir—and if you like saving money!!—this is the wine for you.

While supplies last!

2019 Belle Glos Eulenloch Pinot Noir $29.95

96 POINTS: TASTING PANEL - Brimming with boysenberry, lavender, and black tea, this expressive, well-structured Pinot Noir made with freerun juice aged in (60% new French oak for nine months is equal parts juicy, dense, energetic, and glossy. Sweet tobacco, vanilla wafer, and pomegranate align with supple tannins. Delicious.

90 POINTS: JAMES SUCKLING - A spicy pinot with dark cherries, dark raspberries and tree bark. Flavorful on the palate, with some oak spices and dried herbs. Firm, but quite polished. Drink now.