Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/205467
BLUE REVIEWS VALUE AND BY-THE-GLASS RECOMMENDATIONS 89 Carnivor Wines 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, California ($12) Dark, rich and showing blackberry and cassis; intense and concentrated with toasted oak and roasted coffee; huge but nicely balanced. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Merlot. 89 Bonny Doon Vineyard 2012 A Proper Claret, California ($16) Silky and fresh with lovely plum and juicy acidity; mellow and balanced with style and lovely depth; long and quite proper. 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Petit Verdot, 8% Tannat, 7% Syrah 1% Petite Sirah. 89 Fairview 2013 La Capra Chenin Blanc, Paarl, South Africa ($10) Bright and juicy with crisp apple and spice; fresh, racy and long with lively style. 88 Magnolia Court 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, Central Coast ($13) Clean and juicy with tangy grapefruit and smooth texture; fresh, lively and balanced. TURN KEY WINE BRANDS 88 Kenwood Vineyards 2010 Zinfandel, Sonoma County ($14) Silky and smooth with ripe blackberry and cassis; lush and juicy with balance and a long, deep finish. VINEYARD BRANDS 88 J. Lohr 2011 Valdiguié, Wildflower, Monterey ($10) Smooth, silky and showing bright raspberry fruit; vivid and rounded with lots of simple charms; this stuff used to be called "Napa Gamay" and it has all but disappeared; too bad, this is a delightful wine. F KORBEL & BROS. . 88 Marichal 2011 Premium Varietal Tannat, Canelones, Uruguay ($16) Silky texture with juicy plum and raspberry fruit; bright acid structure and a long, smooth finish; fresh, balanced and long. GLOBAL VINEYARD IMPORTERS SPIRITS 88 Martin & Weyrich Winery 2012 Riesling Allegro, California ($12) Racy, clean, crisp and off-dry; bright peach, spice and tangy acidity; long and balanced. 92 The West Winds Gin The Cutlass, Australia (~$43) Quite unusual, with smooth texture and rich aromatics; juniper, cinnamon myrtle and Aussie bush tomato are just a few of the components; rich and very smooth. 88 Evohé 2011 Mazuelo, Viñas Viejas, Aragón, Spain ($10) Mazuelo is a Spanish name for Carignan; silky and bright with tangy acidity and black raspberry fruit with a hint of violets; supple, fresh and showing minerals and a touch of licorice. VINUM INTERNATIONAL 89 Cupcake Vineyards 2012 Moscato, Moscato d'Asti ($11) Foamy and crisp with bright, spicy, passion fruit and crisp acidity; sweet and very tangy, long and delicious. UNDERDOG WINE MERCHANTS SEEKING U.S. IMPORTER 93 Only Premium Gin, Spain ($32) A gin from Barcelona with a lovely juniper and vanilla nose; silky, aromatic and spicy with lovely botanicals and fine balance; long and elegant, fresh and quite stylish and bright. DESTILERÍAS CAMPENY, S.A. 96 123 Tequila Organic Extra Añejo Diablito, Mexico ($130) Smooth toasted agave nose; smooth, silky texture, toasty and complex with rich agave and clean oak components, hints of sweetness and layers of flavor; elegant, spicy and long with flavors that will please the connoisseur as well as the agave-lover. 123 SPIRITS 92 Penny Blue XO Single Estate Mauritian Rum, Republic of Mauritius ($80) Fragrant and silky with dry, toasted flavors; spicy, elegant and long with depth and complexity; long and balanced with finesse and vivid style. ANCHOR DISTILLING COMPANY 93 Four Roses 125th Anniversary Limited Edition Small Batch 2013 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, USA($90) Deep amber color; silky and smooth with lovely sweet toasted oak and rich flavors of dried flowers and fruits; subtle and elegant with considerable heat and a long, complex finish. 88 Whisper Creek Cream Liqueur, USA ($20) Made with Tennessee whiskey; spicy with notes of cinnamon and smoky wood; smooth and toasted with a whiskey back taste. SPEAK EASY SPIRITS 94 Grand Marnier Cuvée 1880, France ($350) A new expression of the classic orange liqueur; soft, sweet orange nose; creamy, smooth and rich with sweet orange, elegant cognac and vivid, precise flavors; long and complex, very lovely. MOËT-HENNESSY USA 62 / the tasting panel / november 2013 TP1113_034-65.indd 62 10/24/13 9:19 AM