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BLUE REVIEWS 88 90 Mirassou 2012 Riesling, California ($12) Bright, tangy and juicy with floral notes and lively acidity; fresh, lively and balanced. 2% Gewürztraminer. 88 Wines For Dummies 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, California ($10) VISION WINE & SPIRITS 88 Bulletin Place 2012 Merlot, South Eastern Australia ($10) Smooth, rich and earthy with plum and soft herbs. Oola Distillery Grain to Glass Citrus Flavored Vodka, USA ($31) Slight amber and bright with juicy raspberry and cherry with notes of violets, licorice and spice; a terrific wine with an unbelievable price—buy it by the case. GALLO Smooth and fresh with bright plum and berry fruit; balanced, nicely structured and long. 92 Evohé 2011 Garnacha, Bajo Aragón, Spain ($10) Silky color; soft, dry lemon nose; smooth, clean with light lemon tones; clean and thick with dry flavors and a burst of heat on the finish; elegant and stylish. VINUM INTERNATIONAL 89 Steele Wines 2012 Cabernet Franc Rosé, Lake County ($16) Spritzy, bright, juicy and dry with tangy raspberry and strawberry fruit; a wonderful end-ofsummer wine. 89 Marichal 2011 Premium Varietal Merlot, Canelones, Uruguay ($16) Silky smooth and bright with ripe plum fruit and soft oak; supple, ripe and balanced with style and depth; long and focused. GLOBAL VINEYARD IMPORTERS VINEYARD BRANDS OOLA DISITLLERY 92 Rod & Rifle Straight Bourbon Whiskey, USA ($30) Medium amber color; smooth marzipan and tea nose; silky texture; soft and mellow with spice, dried grass and toasted vanilla oak; clean, balanced and easy-going with a nice depth of flavor and an elegant finish. PRESTIGE IMPORTS LLC. 88 Valckenberg 2012 Undone Pinot Noir, Rheinhessen, Germany ($11) Clean and juicy with crisp raspberry and tangy acidity; fresh, vibrant and silky. VALCKENBERG INTERNATIONAL 88 Essay 2012 Chenin Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa ($10) Racy and crisp with juicy citrus and lush melon notes; fresh, clean and balanced with aromatics and floral notes; long and focused. VINEYARD BRANDS 88 92 Hiro Red Junmai Saké, Japan ($30) Silky and smooth with aromatic floral qualities; lush, elegant and mellow with lovely, pure flavors; balanced and long. 88 Viama 2012 Rosso delle Venezie, Italy ($15) Smooth, fresh and juicy with bright raspberry fruit and good acid structure; ripe and balanced, clean and long. Packaged in a 1.5-liter black "purse" (equivalent to $7.50 per 750 ml. bottle). MW IMPORTS SPIRITS Sawtooth Winery 2012 Estate Pinot Gris, Snake River Valley ($14) Bright with 91 notes of citrus and nice, tangy acidity; clean, fresh and juicy with good balance and length. MONSIEUR TOUTON SELECTION, LTD 92 Mezcales de Leyenda Murciélago Silver Mezcal, Mexcico ($65) Smoky, earthy nose; twinge of light amber color; smooth and rustic with smoke, spice and a hint of honey sweetness; ripe agave, long, clean and showing some heat at the finish. Organic. apple nose; amber color; smooth and sweet with apple pie flavor and some nice spicy heat; long and smooth; lush and mellow with lots of charm. Also comes in Blueberry and Strawberry. PRECEPT WINE Junior Johnson Apple Pie Midnight Moon Moonshine, USA ($22) Spiced MEZCALES DE LEYENDA. PIEDMONT DISTILLERS 76 / the tasting panel / september 2013 TP0913_063-103.indd 76 8/22/13 9:23 PM