Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/253609
62 / the tasting panel / february 2014 94 Wakeield Wines 2009 The Visionary Cabernet Sauvignon, Clare Valley Estate ($120) Dark and ripe with concentrated plum, black raspberry and spice; ripe, complex and delicious with great structure, depth and style. AMERICAN WINE DISTRIBUTORS VALUE AND BY-THE-GLASS RECOMMENDATIONS 88 Radius Wines 2012 Riesling, Washington State ($11) Bright and tangy with juicy acidity and off-dry citrus; racy, crisp and lively. PRECEPT WINE 89 Bogle Vineyards 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, California ($11) Smooth and juicy with plum, blackberry and spice; lush, balanced and fresh; an impressive value—long and quite lovely. 88 Tormentoso 2012 Mourvèdre, Paarl, South Africa ($13) Smooth and lush with controlled earthiness and spice; mellow and rich with spice, blackberry and some nice depth. 15% Syrah. VINEYARD BRANDS 89 Apothic 2012 Limited Release Dark, California ($14) Dark and dense with ripe blackberry and vanilla; earthy with notes of coffee and chocolate; deep and rich. Petite Sirah, Teroldego, Cabernet Sauvignon. GALLO 89 Altano 2011 Quinta do Ataíde Reserva, Douro, Portugal ($15) Ripe and lush with ripe black raspberry and cassis; smooth and rich with vanilla and depth; long and charming. Touriga France, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca. VINEYARD BRANDS SPIRITS 89 Leaf Vodka made from Rocky Mountain Mineral Water, USA ($17) Smooth and silky with creamy texture and vanilla aromatics; smooth and balanced. There's also a sibling version made from Alaskan Glacial Water. 89 Polski Vodka, Poland ($12) Clean and neutral nose; smooth and thick with notes of vanilla and distillation; clean, lush, dry and shor t; a great value. TOP SHELF TRADING CORP. 90 Russian Diamond Vodka, Russia ($25) Smooth and classic with notes of vanilla; creamy, lush and rich; long and balanced. ADAMBA IMPORTS INTERNATIONAL 92 Tequila 1519 Reposado Tequila, Mexico ($54) Pale amber color ; spicy agave nose; dense, earthy and rich with rustic notes and hear on the finish; spicy and peppery; long and intense. A. HARDY USA 93 Glen Grant Five Decades Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Scotland ($150) Light amber color ; sweet oak and vanilla with toasty notes; balanced and rich with pepper and spice; generous and dry with nutty nuances. CAMPARI AMERICA 92 7 Sirens White Rum, Trinidad & Tobago ($27) Lush sugar nose with notes of vanilla; clear, dry and smooth with creamy texture; mellow and fresh with balance and youthful style; charming and rich, long and pure. PREMIUM RUM 91 Sugar Island Spiced Rum, USA ($19) Made from Caribbean sugar cane; sweet, spiced nose; creamy and smooth with complex spice and some heat on the finish; rich and dense with sweet caramel and good balance. TRINCHERO FAMILY ESTATES 93 George Dickel Barrel Select Tennessee Whisky, USA ($46) Fragrant caramel, toast and spice nose; spicy with toasted white oak and notes of vanilla and pepper ; rich and dry with nuts, dried fruit and soft smokiness; rich, long and with a smooth, lingering aftertaste; clearly the best Tennessee whiskey. DIAGEO NORTH AMERICA 92 Glen Silver's 12 Year Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, Scotland ($35) Medium amber color; smooth and intense with toasty oak, vanilla and hints of smoke; mellow and showing good character; a blend of malts (formerly called a "vatted malt"); long and quite charming. TOP SHELF TRADING CORP. 93 Laphroaig Triple Wood Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Scotland ($60) Medium amber color ; earthy, toasty and smoky with rich peat, wood fire and seaweed; tar, medicinal, salty and balanced with characteristic style; long and complex. BEAM INC. 93 The BenRiach Authenticus 25 Year Old Peated Single Malt, Scotland ($250) Medium amber color ; soft, elegant nose; toasted and complex with smooth, fleshy style; treacle, molasses and dry spices; long and layered. ANCHOR DISTILLING BLUE REVIEWS