The Tasting Panel magazine

October 2013

Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/188061

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 133 of 152

Sunshine in a Glass SOLEIL MIMOSA Portrait of Lodi CARICATURE RED WINE Southwest Wines, producer of Soleil brands, is a sixth-generation French-owned and -operated company that produces varietal and specialty wines. Made with all natural ingredients, including orange juice, this effervescent wine blend in a bottle is also sold in single-serve, sustainable cans. A light 16-proof ready-to-serve bruncher's favorite on-premise, Soleil Mimosa ($9.99) also offers a bright, inviting package for retailers. The 101st harvest off of Lodi's Lewis Vineyard resulted in the grapes grown for 2010 Caricature ($14), a red wine blend from the LangeTwins Winery. Fourth-generation Lodi farmers, the Lange family oversees one of California's largest grape farms. Winemaker Karen Birmingham's blends 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Old Vine Zinfandel for, according to the sketched label, "wines of character and great legs." Speed Notes from the Panel: "Pleasing, balanced taste profile." ─Jim Simpson "A Mimosa without the hassle, but quite fresh tasting." ─Tony Konja Speed Notes from the Panel: "What a great nose: elegant but with a touch of brash. Plenty of jammy fruit and spice makes this a crowd pleaser." ─Jeff Josenhans "Soft, plush texture and dried cherries and blackberries meld with bittersweet dark chocolate and white pepper: sunshine in the soil!" ─Meridith May Piquancy Power TANTEO JALAPEÑO INFUSED TEQUILA Infusion is what sets Tanteo Tequila apart from the agave crowd. Developed in 2006 and two years in the making, Tanteo is a result of research and development of using the best ingredients to macerate, filter and blend for the brand's Jalapeño, Cocoa and Tropical infusions. The 80 proof 100% Tanteo Blanco Tequila adds jalapeño (they use between six and eight macerates of over-ripe, under-ripe and pithy tips) and water to create one of the industry's most unique agave-based spirits. Speed Notes from the Panel: "On its own the tequila is smooth, slightly sweet and wait for it . . . wait for it . . . beautiful slow build on the heat!"─Jacqueline Stoll "Crisp, clean and slightly vegetal, it's got just the right amount of heat; at least hot enough to keep your attention, but not too hot you won't order again. The cocktail shows it off well." ─Scott Shumate Tanteo Jalapeño Margarita ◗ 2 oz. Tanteo Jalapeño Infused Tequila ◗ 1 oz. lime juice ◗ ¾ oz. agave nectar october 2013  /  the tasting panel  /  133 TP1013_104-152.indd 133 9/23/13 10:36 PM

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of The Tasting Panel magazine - October 2013