Hamptons Vodka

After a long break we are back and reviewing again, so let’s get this show on the road. After a quick trip down to the local Bevmo, we're reviewing Hamptons vodka.

Hamptons is an American vodka distilled from 100% corn and is a clean and well balanced vodka. Hamptons is easy on the nose with a pleasing and simple aroma, almost of a freshly fallen rain in spring. It is distilled 4 times and was a double gold medal winner at the 2006 San Francisco world spirit competition.

This vodka mixes incredibly well, most noticeably as a great screwdriver or a fantastic martini. Hamptons is also rather enjoyable neat, though I prefer it on the rocks. Hamptons is categorized as an ultra premium vodka and has only been around since 2004.

I have to say I am rather impressed with Hamptons vodka, and for about $20 for a 750ml bottle it’s well worth the reasonable price tag.

Conclusion: Not only does Hamptons play well with others but is very capable of standing on its own 2 feet, this is unusual for a vodka who has only been around for a few years. Hamptons came out doing everything right. Is it the best out there? No, but it is a very impressive vodka with great mix ability and flavor and makes one of the best screwdrivers I have had in some time. The only negative thing I can say about this vodka is that at room temperature it loses some of its smooth easy drinkability and has an immediate, though mild by comparison, burn to it. Overall I recommend this vodka, it is a good solid 8.5 out of 10.

Ridge Vineyards - 2005 Paso Robles Zinfandel

This wine starts big and ends even BIGGER! The color is a very dark purple; clear, but so deep you can't see through to the other side of the glass. The bouquet fills my nose, and expands into my brain, with powerful aromas of the earth and black berry fruit. The wine's complexities explode immediately on first tasting. My brain tries to process all the messages it's receiving - the dark/cherry/spice flavors, the astringent dryness of tannin and oak, the visual image of long legs forming languorously down the glass confirming the 15.2% alcohol content, all combined with the lingering memory of the bouquet - and simply has to surrender to the wonderful balance of them all. To drink now, this wine should be decanted to soften the explosion and allow its velvety texture to emerge. Or, wait three to five years.

Rating: 9.2 out of 10.
(Review by Rich)

Kenwood - Sonoma Valley Chardonnay 2005

The wine begins with a very pleasant, fresh fruity aroma to go along with its clear, light yellow color. Then it surprises you with a rich, buttery texture on the palate with a delightful fruity (pear) flavor well balanced with oak to earn it's Chardonnay label. It is a very pleasant, drinkable wine at $10 – but isn't particularly memorable once drunk. Rating: 5.5 out of 10.
(Review by Rich)

Rosenblum Cellars – Aparicio Vineyards Zinfandel 2005

This is a big, full bodied, deep purple colored wine, true to it's Amador County origin. Rich aromas of an earthy mixture of spice and berry build on the initial visual impression and assertive cherry and currant flavors balanced with tannins complete the resume. The intense flavors complement the 14.9% alcohol, delivering a powerful wine. Decant to drink now, or better still, wait a few years for it to reach maturity. Rating: 8.5 out of 10.
(Review by Rich)

Seghesio Vineyards - 2004 Old Vine Sonoma County Zinfandel

Seghesio Vineyards in Healdsburg produces superb zinfandels. This wine, from century old vines, is one of their best. The wine is crystal clear, with a deep garnet color and intense aromas of berries and fresh earth. The fruit comes forward on the palate and is followed immediately by the astringent tannins and the punch characteristic of a big Zin (15.3% alcohol). An hour or so after decanting, these competing elements blend together to reveal the full-bodied wine within. Rating: 9.0 out of 10.
(Review by Rich)

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