The Tasting Panel magazine

August 2013

Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/148134

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 99 of 148

Tequila Alquimia Reposado, Mexico ($54) A most savory nose of cumin, sage and tarragon is almost like breathing in a healing cure for the upper respiratory system. But the lime and agave notes come in to the (further) rescue for this agave-based remedy! Peppery, briny and tobacco-laced with just the right hint of honeyed blue flowers, this certified organic reposado is no shrinking violet but rather a conspicuous presence. 93 Metcalfe's Vermont Maple Cream Liqueur, USA ($25) From its subtle maple aroma to its billowy soft entry, this liqueur tippy-toes on the tongue. It soon lets go, dousing the mouth as if it were a pancake: a milky wash of maple syrup and cream with a hint of perky 34-proof spirit. 91 TIERRA MADRE LLC VERMOnT DISTILLERS/SPIRITS OF HARTFORD The Wines of Clavo Cellars Clavo 2011 Vermentino "Voluptuous," Paso Robles ($25) Spicy scrub brush─heather and lilac─mellowed by pears and sweet lemon. The acidity is upheld by a silky backbone and softens as it goes towards the finish. Fermented in concrete and put in neutral and new puncheons. 90 Neil Roberts of Clavo Cellars. For more than 20 years, neil Roberts has been a winegrower and has developed some of the finest vineyard sites—and therefore understands which varietals thrive best—in Paso Robles. I've been a fan for several years, ever since I started tasting the wines under his Clavo label. The word clavo means "nail" in Spanish, a fanciful interpretation of "neil" by some of his Mexican-American vineyard workers when he first started as a viticulturist. Clavo 2009 "Collusion," Paso Robles ($30) In 1999, neil Roberts helped develop the Santa Margarita Vineyard, which lies along the southernmost rim of the Paso Robles appellation. "I planted this when I worked for Mondavi," he tells THE TASTInG PAnEL. "Its sandy soil is unique to Paso and this lends well to the wine's fruit-forward quality." The blend of 50% Petit Verdot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Malbec owns up to Clavo's common thread of big fruit expression. The blackberry notes let go with a splash into its liquid dark chocolate middle. At 15% alcohol, balance is still achieved. "I don't pick by the numbers," explains Roberts, but I do want the wines to be as natural as possible . . . and keep them elegant and smooth." 93 Have You Tasted TEXAS MADEIRA? Haak Vineyards & Winery's award-winning Texas Madeira is a first of its kind. With two delicious options — one produced from the Blanc du Bois grape and the other from the Jacquez grape — you're sure to fall in love with this sweet, rich wine. Find a retailer near you. texasmadeira.com Around the world, milestones are marked with glasses held high. From Haak Winery, here's to history in the making. Clavo 2010 Malbec "Fedora," Paso Robles ($40) From the Santa Margarita Vineyard, this Malbec possesses enormous depth and quality. The textural nature of this tame beast is wonderfully expressed through chalky tannins and a fleshiness. Rich strawberry and boysenberry show a ripeness that is memorable. 93 6310 Avenue T | Santa Fe, Texas 77510 409.925.1401 | haakwine.com TP0813_066-103.indd 83 7/24/13 9:51 PM

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of The Tasting Panel magazine - August 2013