Grab Bag of Bottles

By Al Spoler,

Hugh Sisson

Published October 12, 2017 at 2:45 PM EDT

This week, Hugh and Al talk about wines produced by folks who are known for something else.

The Wine List

Novy Zinfandel, Russian River Valley '16

A balanced, restrained zin with lush fruit

Quality: **1/2

Price: $20-$40

Freemark Abbey Sauviignon Blanc, Napa Valley '16

Emphasis on good acidity over fruit, great structure, classy approach

Quality: **

Price: Less than $20

Bootleg Prequel, red blend, Sonoma County '15

Rhone style red blend, big flavors, great complexity, mostly syrah

Quality: **1/2

Price: $20-$40

Bootleg "Bootleg" Napa, red blend '13

Kitchen sink blend of big red grapes, considerable power, great texture

Quality: ***

Price: $20-$40

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Al Spoler

Al Spoler, well known to WYPR listeners as the wine-loving co-host of "Cellar Notes" has had a long-standing parallel interest in cooking as well. Al has said, the moment he started getting serious about Sunday night dinners was the same moment he started getting serious about wine. Over the years, he has benefited greatly from being a member of the Cork and Fork Society of Baltimore, a gentlemen's dining club that serves black tie meals cooked by the members themselves who are some of Baltimore's most accomplished amateur cooks.

See stories by Al Spoler

Hugh Sisson

As General Partner of Clipper City Brewing Company, L.P., Hugh J. Sisson is among Baltimore's premier authorities on craft brewing and a former manager of the state's first pub brewery, Sissons, located in Federal Hill. A fifth generation Baltimorean, Hugh has been involved in all aspects of craft brewing.

See stories by Hugh Sisson