The Tasting Panel magazine

March 2015

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march 2015  /  the tasting panel  /  83 Michael David Winery 2012 "6th Sense" Syrah, Lodi ($16) An impressive collection of herbs and spices, mint and eucalyptus livens up this lusciously dense red. Ribbons of Worcestershire and pencil lead integrate with a creamy, bittersweet cocoa and pungent raspberry jam. 93 Levendi 2013 Oak Knoll Reserve Chardonnay, Napa Valley ( $35) From grav- elly loam soil on sustainably farmed vineyards in the Oak Knoll district, summer fruit shines in and out of the glass and a tart McIntosh apple crispness licks the palate. Hawaiian pineapple sweetness and a natural acidity narrows its way through a creamy palate, resulting in a mineral tone on the finish—while the wine stays bright. 94 Brassfield 2012 Pinot Noir, High Serenity Rach Vineyard, High Valley ($24) Round and surprisingly full-bodied for this varietal, plum and violets play a strong role, with coffee and cocoa second in command. Spicy and fragrant with high intensity acid. 91 Cantini Miali 2009 "Settarte," Puglia ($35) A blend of 70% Primitivo and 30% Syrah, a host of blackberry, curry and savory herbs are delicate yet insistent. A core of black cherry, coffee bean, black beans, black pepper and dusty tannins exhibit complexity in its massive depth. 94 WINERIES OF ITALY CONSORTIUM Vina Robles 2012 "Red 4," Paso Robles ($17) Addition is made easy in this game of four : a blend of 50% Petite Sirah, 20% Syrah, 20% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre. This sweet-fruited, buoyant and outgoing Rhône- style red offers up a unique quartet of lavender, toffee, strawberry and toffee. Drink it 4 fun! 89 Deep Eddy Vodka, USA ($20) The ten-times-distilled original 80 proof Deep Eddy Vodka offers up scents of vanilla and a puff of marshmallow on the nose. The palate's delicate nature has an echo of blueberry sweetness with a creamy, lemon drop finish. Pretty, soft and round. 92 Deep Eddy Lemon, USA ($20) The cloudy, unfiltered liquid reminds us of homemade lemonade. The authentic nose speaks to the fresh lemons used in this tart, juicy vodka. Slightly sweet but not cloying, this latest entry from the Texas spirits house has a fragrant and natural tasting character. 70 proof. 93 Deep Eddy Ruby Red, USA ($20) A benchmark grapefruit profile made with the real thing. The nose and the palate upholds the Texas Ruby Red image and zippy fresh sweetness to a tee. That fresh-squeezed flavor in Deep Eddy's round-bodied, luxe texture is as aromatic as it is palate-pleasing. 70 proof . 94 Deep Eddy Cranberry, USA ($20) The nose offers up an array of generous, potent red fruit and tart cranberry. White a hint of white pepper and clove, the layers of flavor elevate the level of spirit to be reminiscent of a high-end aperitif or Italian bitters. 70 proof. 91 Deep Eddy Sweet Tea, USA ($20) While the aromatics speak sun tea, lemon and dried figs, the flavors of this expressive flavored vodka are top of its category. Enhanced with notes of honey, mocha and cereal, it coats the palate and begs for more sips. 70 proof. 94 ART #30010P Project #23236 DATE: 04.21.14 B E R G I N G L A S S I M P R E S S I O N S For your records only, no need to fax back Screenprint Colors Red, Silver/Green Mix, Metallic Gold Mix, Precious Gold Deep Satisfaction Satisfaction In this issue, we visit with the Deep Eddy team (see p. 66). Here are my notes on the vodkas. —Meridith May

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