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Publisher’s PICKS Wines Val de Vie 2009 Barista Coffee Pinotage, Robertson Valley, South Africa ($15) Sour cherry, a touch of smoke, bittersweet choco- late and coffee beans sounds like a formula to cast a spell, but in this case it’s a South African wine from the Robertson Valley made as coffee-style Pinotage for the U.S. palate. 89 INDIGO WINE GROUP In each issue THE TASTING PANEL’s Publisher and Executive Editor, Meridith May, selects her favorite wines and spirits of the month. Check here for the latest arrivals in our offices, the hottest new brands on the market and an occasional revisited classic. Fernz 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand ($15) Freshly-squeezed grapefruit nose dives into a mineral-crisp basil and pear lean machine. 90 G. K. SKAGGS Eberle Winery 2007 Côtes- du-Robles, Paso Robles ($21) Cherry pie and Old World earth and acid would leave a blind taster puzzled. Round, plummy and weighty lushness defies any thought that this is California terroir. 39% Syrah, 34% Mourvèdre and 27% Grenache. Paso Robles is a wonderland. 94 Worthy of a smooch. French-style double bizou. Wildly infatuated. Seriously smitten. Head over heels in love. Koehler Winery Quartette, Santa Ynez Valley ($25) Sauv Blanc and Chardonnay play the pivotal role in this blend, with Viognier and Grenache Blanc adding floral and mineral grace. The tart palate is laced with streaks of honeysuckle nectar, stones and green tea. Simply divine. 55% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Chardonnay, 10% Viognier, 5% Grenache Blanc. 93 Domaine Olivier Thierriaz 2008 Sancerre Rouge, France ($25.50) A mouthful of cinnamon-cherry slips through rose petals, violets and spice in this 100% Pinot Noir. Daring acidity primes it for light dishes of pork, eggplant and chicken. 91 REGENCY WINES Spirits Sakiri Vodka, France ($28) Grainy notes of sweet orange peel are easy on the nose. A softness occurs at first sip: a mellow tangerine- lime effect. Raspberry, roses and jasmine tea lend an exotic touch to the distinct, mouth-coating finish. 93 NOP SAKIRI ENTERPRISE LLC Kellan Irish Whiskey, Ireland ($20) The tiramisú nose (including cocoa and lady finger pastry) is a magical start to this Irish blend. A middle of lanolin, baked apple and sweet cereal middle also contains a tannic edge. The finish is firm, vibrant and tart. 92 BERNIKO LLC Inocente Platinum Tequila Blanco, Mexico ($48) Ripe, buxom agave is lushly matured and sends off pheromones of brown sugar, dark chocolate, charred pineapple and coffee bean intensity. The mouthfeel is clean, weighty and energizing: zippy lime, pepper, cilantro, cucumber and orange peel. The finish is sultry: tobacco leaf and espresso with a lime underbelly. 95 IN THE BLACK BEVERAGE COMPANY january–february 201 1 / the tasting panel / 61