Considering how much I drink in a week, both professionally and socially, I figured it was about time to start documenting it more seriously, both as a curative service and as a diary of sorts. When you’re on the move as much as I am, you tend to forget things. For the sake of my memory, and those of you who like to drink (and eat), here’s a list of the best things I drank this week.
Negronis at Melvyn’s in Palm Springs (with beet pickled deviled eggs)
Let me start by saying that the meal we had at Melvyn’s in Palm Springs Wednesday night was one of the finest, most decadent, and enjoyable meals I’ve had all year. Slowly paced, impeccably serviced, and surrounded by interesting people, it was incredible. But the combination of the Negroni (Beefeater, Campari, Carpano Antica) with the deviled eggs was like pure magic. If you’re headed out to the desert, make this a must.
Bowmore 21 Year Old Aston Martin Edition
You may not know what the Golden Ratio is exactly, but your eye definitely notices both symmetry and beauty when it sees it. Aston Martin divides by 1.618 to design its automobiles, and now they’re teamed up with Bowmore to create a whisky with 61.8% of the recipe a 21 year old PX-matured sherry butt, with the remaining parts (including a 35 year old component) equally split according to the Golden Ratio. Bottled at 51.8% ABV, it’s ridiculously supple and rich, the campfire smoke coming through with a bit of ash and soot. That sweet Sherry is the star, however. We have a handful of these in stock, but you’ll need to email me if you’re interested as they won’t be on the web.
Old Vintages of Nebbiolo From Arpepe
My old pal from Skurnik, Mr. Mark Fornatale, came through Mission this week on a trip out from New York to promote his Italian wine portfolio on the west coast. Two Nebbiolo-based wines from the Valtellina region really stood out, especially given their age and pricing. The problem with Nebbiolo as a red wine varietal is that it can take decades to fully mature, and most people who are learning about Nebbiolo don’t want to wait decades to find out what they’re paying for. That’s why the opportunity to taste 20 year old Nebbiolo right out the gate is so special, let alone when it’s this magnificent. Nestled in the Alps near the Swiss border, this Italian property has been making wine since the 1860s and these two were absolute stunners. Integrated tannins, earthy notes of tar bolstered by dark fruits, with a hauntingly beautiful color in the glass. If you’re eating lamb, kebob, or pretty much any other roasted meats, this is a pairing from heaven.
Gin & Tonics at The Magic Lamp in Rancho Cucamonga
If you’re a fan of both Americana and American history like I am, then I highly recommend spending a day visiting the old Route 66 haunts between Upland and San Bernadino, including the Sycamore Inn and the Magic Lamp. I can’t put into words just how blown away I was by the latter of the two. From the fire pit lounge in the middle of the dining room, to the stained glass windows, to the old wood walls, to the darkly-lit bar, I was in complete awe. A gin and tonic has never tasted as good as it did sitting next to that fire pit at 2 PM on a Thursday.
1999 Château Margaux: A Ready-to-Drink First Growth Within Reach
While a $700-ish a bottle may not seem approachable to most people, given the $1000+ per bottle these wines sell at currently, plus the two-decades plus of cellaring and waiting you have to do, I’d say it’s worth the price. Yes, if you would have bought the 1999 Margaux on futures back in the day, you could have had the bottle for $150 or so. But that was over twenty years ago! You also would have had to pay for two decades of cellaring, and the bottles we just acquired were aged at the château itself. If you’re gonna go deep for a special occasion or dinner, this is the bottle. It’s ready to go, and boy is it delicious.
Tiki Drinks at The Reef in Palm Springs
There’s a fantastic tiki bar on the downtown strip called Bootlegger Tiki, built into the old site of Don the Beachcomber. The problem with that bar is that it doesn’t open until 5 PM, and even when it’s open there are often private buy-outs, which makes getting a seat difficult. That’s why I head over to The Reef at the legendary Caliente Tropics resort for my mid-day fix. Real coconut cream in the Piña Colada, high proof punches, bird sounds, a live fish tank on the TV screen, and no bullshit. No pretense, no tiki trolls. Just old fashioned Palm Springs tiki goodness.
-David Driscoll
