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Spirits Frozen Ghost Vodka, Canada ($36) With a spec- tral lure of vanilla and blueberry on the nose, Frozen Ghost vodka has an eerie way of presenting itself in so many forms once it fl oats on the palate. Mocha-cocoa cream and a hint of red berries suddenly appear amidst an ethereally textured marshmallow pillow. 94 FROZEN GHOST DISTILLING CO. Soul Cachaça, Brazil ($27) On the nose, pungent cucumber plays with ripe honeydew amidst a mental picture of a sugarcane fi eld on a hot summer day. On the palate, no heat; instead, white pepper and green peppercorn against a deep core of cooked pineapple. 93 PREMIER SPIRITS LLC John L. Sullivan Irish Whiskey, Ireland ($23) Clover honey and hazelnut inspired me to close my eyes and picture what was next. I was right: oatmeal with cinnamon and raisins. This is a wonderful value whiskey, sweet and woodsy with an orange-peel and peaches fi nish. 91 UNDISPUTED INTL. LLC ¡Viva España! I recently tasted several thrilling releases from Ribera del Duero and came away impressed not only with the superb fl avors, but also with the incredible quality-to-price ratio of these wines. Bodegas Neo 2009 Vivir, vivir, Ribera del Duero, Spain ($12) A pitch-perfect start: The velvet ribbon is all plummed out with violets and dusted tannins. The dried black cherry on the back end is dramatic for such a young soul. 91 GRAPES OF SPAIN Bodegas Neo 2009 Sentido, Ribera del Duero, Spain ($28) A glamorous red: sinewy and chewy with accompany- ing lean acidity. Opulent fruit and sweet tobacco charm. 91 GRAPES OF SPAIN Bodegas Comenge 2006 Comenge, Ribera del Duero, Spain ($25) You’d think the winery grew its own designer fruit; pungent, sweet aromas and a fl oral elegance create a superior surrounding for this exciting combo of plum, boy- senberry and cherry. Soft and seamless with a surprise hit of minerality, white pepper, fennel and spearmint. 92 FOLIO FINE WINE PARTNERS Finca Torremilanos 2006 Ribera del Duero, Spain ($30) This 100% Tempranillo transforms its inky purple self into violet-soaked black jam. Its vibrant acidity is searing and it has a grip that edges up the top of the palate like ivy covered in earthy mocha espresso. 93 GRAPES OF SPAIN april 201 1 / the tasting panel / 53 Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, USA ($22) On the nose, one could think it a rum: rancio and molasses, almonds and lanolin. On the palate, it’s peach pits, cinnamon, jasmine and, of course, honey. What a nice surprise! 92 BROWN-FORMAN 949-228-6896