Rob Theakston

Rob Theakston is a contributing editor to Drinkhacker.

Review: 2021 LifeVine Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

By Rob Theakston | March 27, 2023 |

Oregon’s LifeVine wines should be rightfully commended for their commitment to full and unapologetic transparency, with their website declaring their line pesticide-free, organic, and sugar-free. LifeVine is one of the first wine brands to post both serving facts and full ingredients on its label. It’s also keto-friendly, lab tested for any contaminants and over 200…

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Review: Angela Vineyards 2019 Chardonnay and 2018 Pinot Noir

By Rob Theakston | March 26, 2023 |

Angela Vineyards has not popped up on our radar since autumn of 2020, when we were all doing the best we possibly could, albeit slightly dazed and in constant panic. Thankfully, brighter days have prevailed (somewhat) and we’re back to see what the Carlton, Oregon vineyard has been up to since then. 2018 Angela Vineyards…

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Review: 2020 Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignon

By Rob Theakston | March 24, 2023 |

Considering the current dystopian weather timeline the fine state of California is experiencing in 2023, you’d be forgiven if you failed to recall the horrible fires that ravaged Napa Valley in 2020. Most of the region, including an area our Editor-in-Chief then called home, was engulfed in smoke or fire for weeks before seeing some…

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Review: 2021 Mary Taylor Sicilia Rosso

By Rob Theakston | March 20, 2023 |

Similar in scope to Laura Catena’s La Posta line in Argentina, Mary Taylor works with individual growers in small villages throughout Europe who produce regionally-distinctive wines beyond the great grapes of the canon, but may not have production resources or logistics to distribute globally. Today we’re taking our first look at this distribution house with…

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Review: 2021 Trapiche Oak Cask Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon

By Rob Theakston | March 18, 2023 |

Our regular sojourn to the vineyards of Mendoza, Argentina’s Trapiche carries on in 2023 with a recent pair of offerings, a malbec and cabernet sauvignon, both from its “Oak Cask” line. Trapiche prides itself on a reputation of accessibility in both price and taste, so let’s see if this year’s offerings keep that consistency on…

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Review: Wines of Casa Ferreirinha, 2023 Releases

By Rob Theakston | February 28, 2023 |

No matter if it’s a spirit, beer, or wine, a well-done history lesson whenever a company decides to christen a product in tribute is always appreciated. I’m not speaking of the person who starts a company because they found their great-great-grandfather’s best friend’s secret recipe stored away in a scrapbook in a family attic, found…

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Review: 2019 San Felice Il Grigio Chianti Classic Riserva and and 2017 Campiogiovanni Brunello di Montalcino DOCG

By Rob Theakston | February 27, 2023 |

Six months ago, Christopher reviewed a trio of wines from the venerable San Felice. He deliberated whether a bit more time in the bottle may smooth some of the sharper edges of these otherwise enjoyable bottles. Today we’re putting his theory to the test and uncorking a pair of them for re-discovery. 2019 San Felice…

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Tasting the Wines of Uruguay, 2023 Releases

By Rob Theakston | February 19, 2023 |

Uruguay isn’t the first nation that comes to mind when thinking of South American wines, but not too far off in the future, it very well may be. Hot take, I know. However, with the ever-changing climate, a commitment to sustainability, and multi-generational families experimenting and diversifying offerings and varietals, this small nation of 3.4…

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Review: 2016 Podere Scopetone Brunello di Montalcino

By Rob Theakston | February 14, 2023 |

Scopetone is a smaller, family-run operation in the Tuscany region, with only 375 cases of Brunello produced annually. This 100% Sangiovese was aged in oak casks for 36 months followed by 12 months in glazed cement vats and an additional 4 months in bottle. Earthy upfront, the wine evokes cedar, tobacco, and leather when first…

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Review: Wines of Peirano Estates, Winter 2023

By Rob Theakston | February 13, 2023 |

A few months ago we reviewed the Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec offerings from Lodi’s Peirano Estates. We continue to explore Peirano’s sensibly priced range with three offerings of different varietals, including one from a member of the 5th generation of the family poised to take over the reins of the business. 2020 Peirano Estate Vineyards…

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