KONSORTIUM

Lambrusco by Donelli

Modena, Italy is synonymous with Ferrari super cars and frothy red Lambrusco wine. It makes sense that legendary Ferrari designer Sergio Scaglietti would design several bottles for his friends at the local wine company. The Lambrusco produced by Donelli is often served at Ferrari dinners, after the driving is done.

Scaglietti’s legacy is immortalized on the current 612 Ferrari Scaglietti. He was responsible for iconic Ferraris such as the 1954 375MM, commissioned by Robert Rosellini for Ingrid Bergman, the 1957 250 California Spider and the 1962 250 GTO. Donelli has produced a photographic book with insider Franco Gozzi about the 91-year-old Italian design legend. (Donellivini)

 

Schmoozing Spot in LA: Caulfield's

 

Caulfield’s
at the Thompson Beverly Hills
9360 Wilshire Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
310-388-6860

Patrón 4-Bottle Gift Set

Can't decide whether to get your boozehound relatives Patrón Reposado or Patrón Silver for the holidays? Get both of those and more in the Patrón 4-Bottle Gift Set ($80). Available at reputable spirit stores across the country, this set includes 375ml mini-bottles of Patrón Silver, Patron Reposado, Patrón Añejo and Patrón XO Cafe, all housed in a clear acrylic gift box.

 

Gran Patrón Burdeos Tequila

If you're ready to take your celebratory boozing to the next level, Gran Patrón Burdeos Tequila($740) is just the stuff. Distilled from the finest blue agave, this ultra-premium dark tequila is matured in a blend of American and French oak barrels and aged for a minimum of 12 months. It's then distilled again in vintage Bordeaux barrels from France. Each unleaded crystal bottle comes in a black walnut box with a special corkscrew and a crystal bee stopper. Be sure to sign up for the Uncrate-approved Patrón Social Club.

 

The Glenlivet 80 Year Old Whisky

Isn't it nice to know that on the day you become an octogenarian, you'll still be able to drink a scotch that's as old as you are? Distilled in 1883 and bottled in 1931, this incredibly rare bottle ofThe Glenlivet 80 Year Old Whisky (£15,000-£20,000; roughly $24,000-$32,000) was owned by Captain William Smith Grant — the great grandson of the distillery's founder, Colonel George Smith — and has been in the family ever since. Arriving in a fittingly modest bottle with matching label, it's just the thing to liven up the nursing home afterparty — or any party, for that matter.

 

Diddy Does Vodka: Ciroc

Don't call Sean "Diddy" Combs a celebrity endorser. He prefers the term "luxury brand builder" and his latest endeavor involves some high-end vodka. He has just signed a multiyear deal to develop Diageo PLC's superpremium Ciroc vodka. And he isn't just putting his name behind the bottle. Combs plans to be very involved in all aspects of the development, focusing on attracting the "movers and shakers" of the vodka drinking world. "They're looking for something that tastes like their lifestyle," he said. "It's that trendsetter, that hipster, someone who's looking for luxury and looking for something better." If all goes well, Comb's 50-50 share of the profits could ultimately net him more than $100 million.

Wineauthentication.com: New Website Will Help Combat Wine Fraud

There has been a lot of talk about wine fraud lately and a lot of concern over just how many wine counterfeits are out there. Now Decanter reports that Russell Frye a wealthy wine collector, has created a new website to create a online community for those concerned about the issue. Wineauthentication.com will offer a bottle registry, bottle photos, counterfeiting solutions, an authentication service and a discussion forum. The site is still in its infancy with a planned launch for the end of the month.

First Blush Varietal Grape Juice, Wine Varietals Without The Buzz

I recently came across this product in Whole Foods and had to try it out. First Blush makes varietal grape juices: Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay, and a rosé juice made from Zinfandel. Each juice is made from 100% wine grape varietal without any added sugar. The 16-ounce bottles sell for around $4 a bottle. What does it taste like? I bought the Merlot and basically, it's just really good grape juice, sweet and fruit-packed.

Firstblushjuice.com

Seghesio Vineyards Wine Dinner

Who would have thought that the oldest Italian restaurant in the U.S. would be in San Francisco? Fior D'Italia first opened in 1886 and has a long history that even includes a year in a tent after the 1906 Great Fire. The restaurant holds a series of wine dinners the next of which is coming up on August 30 with Seghesio Family Vineyards. The evening includes a five-course Italian feast paired with Seghesio wines. Pete and Cathy Seghesio will be on hand to present the wines and the cost is $100 per person.

Gran Patron Burdeos Tequila

If you thought Cabo Uno sounded expensive, get ready for the next phase of ultimate tequila consumption. Patron has launched Gran Patron Burdeos, a tequila aged in French and American oak and then aged in barrels sourced from Chateaux Margaux. The pricey concoction comes in a crystal bottle with a crystal stopper and comes in a black walnut box. The tequila has a suggested retail price of $500. But the only place I have seen it online is at The Cellar for $750.