Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/23459
Glen Ellen Proprietor’s Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel, California ($10/1.5 liter) Light ruby color with fresh raspberry fruit and sweet plum; long and juicy with true Zin character. THE WINE GROUP 87 California ($12) Fresh and juicy with bright plum, spice and soft acidity; clean, lively and balanced. 88 88 Banfi 2009 Centine, Toscana, Italy ($11) A silky, dry and crisp Sangiovese, Cab-Merlot blend with pale salmon color; ripe raspberry, vanilla and tangy acidity; a charming and balanced rosé. BANFI VINTNERS County ($14) Aromatic vanilla nose; smooth and creamy with ripe fruit and vanilla notes; clean and long with soft acidity. 88 Sauvignon, Mendoza, Argentina ($13) Ripe and forward with lush texture and juicy plum and black raspberry fruit; smooth, dense and rich with a long, finish. 88 SPIRITS 96 LION NATHAN USA Argento 2009 Cabernet Sobon Estate 2009 Viognier, Amador Vinum Cellars 2008 Cabernnet Sauvignon, Concannon Vineyard 2008 94 92 Mezcalero Mezcal Release #2, Mexico ($84) Smoky, rustic agave nose; silky, hot and edgy with notes of burning leaves, pepper, spice and flesh; if tequila is too tame for you, check this out—remarkable and complex. CRAFT DISTILLERS Novo Fogo Organic Silver Cachaca, Brazil ($30) Rich nose of spice, earth and herbs; grassy, composty and smooth with nice spice and fleshy notes; ripe, aromatic and deep; creamy and seductive with excellent length and balance; perfect for a great cocktail. BOM DIA IMPORTS LLC 94 WhistlePig Straight Rye Whiskey, USA ($70) This may be the smoothest rye I’ve ever tasted—and it’s 100 proof! Nonetheless, this is powerful, heady stuff with big all-American flavors of vanilla, caramel and lovely orange peel; supple, rich and layered; creamy and beautifully balanced; made in Canada and bottled in Vermont. WHISTLEPIG FARM 90 Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Port Barrels, USA ($45) Reddish dark amber; lush cherry and sweet oak nose; very smooth and mellow with sweet, creamy flavors and lovely balance; feminine and sensual with plenty of easy-going charm. LOUISVILLE DISTILLING CO. ZU Zubrowka Bison Grass Flavored Vodka, Poland ($30) Slight golden tint; lovely fragrance of vanilla and grass; silky smooth and aromatic with notes of vanilla, cut grass and coconut; medium weight and beautifully balanced; distinctive and extraordinary; one of the world’s most unique spirits, wonderful by itself and a brilliant addition to cocktails. RÉMY COINTREAU USA Maple Wood Finish Bourbon, USA ($90) Golden amber color; tea, toasted maple wood and vanilla nose; smooth, créme brûlée and toffee with tea and tobacco notes; lush, floral and elegant with finesse, balance and a long, complex finish. Stunning. BROWN-FORMAN 93 Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection One of Scotland’s oldest distilleries (1790) is being re-introduced to the U.S. market with this lovely 18-year expression; fragrant and softly grassy with dry, spicy flavors; light but very flavorful with elegance, a slight briny sea-foam nuance and showing hints of shortbread and vanilla; a charming surprise. 94 INTERNATIONAL BEVERAGE HOLDINGS 92 Bowmore 15 Year Old Darkest Sherry Cask Finished Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($70) Dark amber color; soft aroma of a hickory fire; smooth and lush with creamy, dried fruit, almonds, raisins, sherry and caramel with the addition of the smoky, briny Islay peat; a great combination of elegance and island funk; long, balanced and surprisingly delicate. 94 SKYY SPIRITS Whisky ($2700) Intense and rich with toasty spice and mature flavors of light wood, hickory fire, rancio, dried fruits and Christmas spice; exceptionally long, elegant and complex; vanilla, leather and graceful balance; quite spectacular but always well-bred and classic. 99 WILLIAM GRANT & SONS Glenfiddich 40 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Glen Garioch 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($50) Golden amber color; toasty floral nose; smooth and lightly peated with lovely vanilla and caramel; high proof (96) but elegant nonetheless; classic Highland style. SKYY SPIRITS 92 Chivas Regal 18 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky, Scotland ($65) Full aromas of smoke, dry hay and toasted oak; lush and ripe with lovely nuanced and long flavors; smooth and balanced. PERNOD RICARD USA Balblair Highland Single Malt 1991, Scotland ($130) january–february 201 1 / the tasting panel / 59