Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1036886
56 / the tasting panel / october 2018 89 Old Soul Vineyards 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, California ($15) Ripe, satisfying, and juicy with abundant berry flavors; bright and balanced with immediate charm. A delightful weeknight wine with generous style, this release impresses in terms of value. 91 Lodi Estates 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi ($24) In the wake of the soft nose, plum notes precede the silky texture with subtle herbs. Clean, fresh, and long, this shows a restrained, elegant style featuring toasty oak and soft spice. 91 Steele Wines 2015 Persona Non Grata, Lake County ($16) Smooth and luscious with balanced notes of berry fruit. Ripe, tangy, and long, this is Jed Steele's grab-bag blend of 66% Zinfandel, 22% Syrah, 10% Tempranillo, and 2% Merlot. 90 Duca di Salaparuta 2017 Kados Grillo, Terre Siciliane IGT, Italy ($18) A silky and exceptionally complex white from a company launched in 1824 and revived by the people who make Disaronno. Rich and tangy with citrus and peach, this long and lovely wine features commendable balance and style. 90 Sokol Blosser Winery 2017 Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, Oregon ($25) Tangy, juicy, and dry with strawberry overtones; a fresh and long winner from this pioneer Oregon winery. 91 True Myth 2016 Chardonnay, Edna Valley ($18) Bright pear nose; refreshing, lively, and crisp with tangy acidity and a racy finish. Lush and intense, this is a well- balanced wine with remarkable value, especially given its complexity. 92 Meiomi 2017 Pinot Noir, California ($25) Soft berry nose; spicy, rich, and long. A crisp, clean blend from three important appellations (Monterey, Santa Barbara, and Sonoma), each of which imparts a special character. Aged six months in 100% French oak. CONSTELLATION BRANDS 88 La Playa Estate 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé, Colchagua Valley, Chile ($8) Gentle strawberry nose; dry and refreshing with a racy style. Bright, tangy acidity encompasses the experience. 90 Craggy Range 2017 Pinot Noir, Martinborough, New Zealand ($25) Silky and fresh with cherry and savory notes; a smooth and long release from this superstar North Island winery. KOBRAND WINE AND SPIRITS 90 Franz Keller 2017 Pinot Gris Schwarzer Adler, Baden, Germany ($25) Juicy, dry, and crisp with racy acidity and piercing minerality; fresh and balanced. SCHMITT SÖHNE WINES SPIRITS 91 Surf City Still Works Shorebreak Vodka, USA ($28) Smooth and creamy with a hint of vanilla; round and balanced; produced from organic corn in California at the first distillery to operate in Huntington Beach. SURF CITY STILL WORKS 92 Suerte Blanco Tequila, Mexico ($30) Appealingly earthy agave nose; toasty, intense, and smoky; rich, smooth, and spicy with lots of character and solid length. This took home a Gold Medal at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. COLORADO SPIRITS IMPORTERS LLC 93 Woodinville Whiskey Co. Straight Bourbon Whiskey, USA ($55) Made in Washington State, this release is silky and bright with lovely notes of vanilla and lightly toasted oak. Fresh, racy, and clean with hints of dried fruit and light spice preceding a long and generous finish. MOËT HENNESSY USA 95 The Macallan Limited Edition No. 4 Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Scotland ($100) Rich, seamless, and deep with soft spice, dried fruit, toasted oak, and vanilla-caramel. A big winner with no age statement from this superstar distillery. 90 Dubonnet Rouge Grand Apéritif de France, USA ($18) The last time I tasted this product was ten years ago, when I rated it 66 on the 100-point scale. This smooth and sweet version is loads better, with rich berry fruit and clean, lush flavors of ripe cherries with hints of nuts and chocolate. Try it on the rocks. 93 James Buchanan & Co. Buchanan's Select Aged 15 Years Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, Scotland ($60) Mellow nose; effortless and elegant with carefully balanced flavors that range from toasty and intense to soft and lush. Charming, polished, and long, it's a lovely blend that brings many elements to a glass. DIAGEO 91 Dry Fly Distilling Straight Washington Wheat Whiskey Aged 3 Years, USA ($40) Rich amber color with a deep, dense nose. The creamy texture reveals toasty, ripe grain and spice. Gentle and easygoing with a bite on the finish, this expression is made in Spokane, Washington. 93 Virginia Distillery Co. Cider Cask Finished Virginia- Highland Whiskey, USA ($58) Nose is heavy with spice and oak; long and bright with an elegant and carefully balanced style; an instant classic made in Virginia. VIRGINIA DISTILLERY CO.