Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/376390
september 2014 / the tasting panel / 77 Trapiche 2010 Terroir Series "Ambrosia," Mendoza, Argentina ($55) Densely textured, this wine deserves the term "mysterious" for its opaque, luxe liquid and chewy tannins. Blackberry, espresso and graphite are present within its bloody, meaty core. A surge of dark mint chocolate melts across the palate. 94 THE WINE GROUP SPIRITS Gorgeous Vodka, USA ($35) Produced at Grand Teton Distillery, this Idaho potato–based vodka boasts gluten-free attributes and Rocky Mountain snowcap water. Its sweet aromas of tropical fruit (candied pineapple)are embracing to the nose and follow through on taste. Light, feminine and almost "milky" on the palate, it stays with you for an enduring finish. 91 TIMELESS SPIRITS/PRESTIGE IMPORTS Truuli Peak Vodka, USA ($40) Named after the highest elevation in the Kenai Mountain range, just outside Anchorage, Alaska, this "neutral spirit" filled the room with aromatics within minutes. Notes of red raspberry and honeyed apricot were alluring enough to get all our editors' attention. On the palate, a silky- saltiness sets in, with grainy dots of wheat bread notes. Ingredients all hail from Alaska and include Eklutna Glacier water, Delta Junction barley and 5% Chugiak wildflower honey. 93 BARE DISTILLERY/PARK STREET IMPORTS Charles Goodnight Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey, USA ($ 55) A bruiser on the nose, this man- handling bourbon shoots straight with a loaded gun of aromatics: caramel, cigar, patchouli, sandalwood and musk. On the palate, there's a gloved hand that softens the notes of warn leather chaps and leads to heady tones of horse sweat and sweet orange peel. This 100-proofer is a solid tribute to the Texas Ranger and cattle rancher who was said to "approach greatness . . . more than any other cowman." 96 FOLEY FAMILY Blackwell Rum, Jamaica ($21.99–$24.99) Seductive notes of caramel, vanilla and new leather waft from the glass . . . with a glint of sassafras. Fudge and caramel on the palate are hedonistic and lingering. Music producer Chris Blackwell has another hit on his hands. 93 BLACKWELL RUM