Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/49694
Most Multicultural Spice Route 2009 Chakalaka, Swartland, South Africa ($22) South Africa is a country with many cultural infl uences, with years of early global trade around The Cape resulting in an amalgamation of various European and African impressions that continue to shape the nation today. Spice Route Winery, in South Africa's Swartland region northwest of Paarl, carries on the cross-cultural tradition: One of the property's signature wines, Chakalaka represents a fusion of fl avors (as does the spicy South African relish from which it gets its name) and varieties, with the blend comprised of 37% Syrah, 21% Mourvèdre, 18% Carignan, 10% Petitie Sirah, 10% Grenache and 4% Tannat, resulting in an intense offering that's unique and character-driven. With this worldly appeal in tow, there's nothing this wine can't do, and with the experimental Charles Back (of South Africa's Fairview) at the helm, further cross-pollination is inevitable. Smooth and silky with blackberry, spice and dense texture; fresh, clean and intense with lovely balance and juicy fruit; long and complex. VINEYARD BRANDS Best Reputation Perrin & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Les Sinards, France ($39) As proprietors in Côtes du Rhône, the Perrin family guards the region's well-steeped reputation furiously. Thankfully, winemakers Jean-Pierre, François, Pierre, Marc, Thomas and Mathieu are great at what they do, and the wines coming from the house today are excellent representatives not only of the region, but of their family's long and proud winemaking tradition as well. Sourcing grapes from the young vines at Beaucastel and additional vineyards in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Perrin & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Sinards Blanc is a classic Rhône blend of 70% Grenache Blanc and 30% Clairette that performs exactly as expected for an excellent Châteauneuf-du- Pape white. With instant classics like this rolling out, the reputation of the Perrin fam- ily—and the Rhône Valley—is well-protected. Fresh, smooth and elegant with tangy acidity and lovely white fl owers; silky, minerally with juicy fruit and complexity; balanced, lively and long. VINEYARD BRANDS Most Chic Bols Barrel Aged Genever, Netherlands ($50) That artsy girl in class who always looked so cool in her vintage clothes knew that a modern take on a retro look would always win, and in the spirit world, no quaff packs more modern-yet-vintage appeal than Bols Barrel Aged Genever, an American whiskey-inspired edition of the classic Bols Genever, and a blast from the past that mixologists have been keen to pour. The original 1820 Bols recipe—a rye, wheat and corn distillate made in copper pot stills and blended with classic botanicals, including juniper—is updated with maturation in new and used French oak for 18 months, resulting in a bourbon-like quality that is a welcome surprise to say the least. A true artisan-crafted spirit, Bols Barrel Aged Genever breathes new life into classic cocktails, both whisk(e)y- and genever-based, and with the iconic Bols packaging grabbing attention on the backbar, consumers with a keen eye for vintage gems will clamor for more. Characteristics of both genever and American rye whiskey. Caraway seeds and celery roots meet up fi rst, with a mid-palate lime zest. But surrounding pepper coriander, juniper and a grassy profi le is caramelized brown sugar from the oak. A notable accomplishment. LUCAS BOLS USA Most Potent Elixir Floral Infusions ($12.95/9 oz.; $19.95/17.5 oz.) With just a tiny splash, Elixir Floral Infusions, a lineup of fl oral extracts blended with a touch of pure cane sugar, add a powerful dose of fl avor to foods and cocktails alike. With four equally charming fl avors, we couldn't pick just one. Rose is lightly-fl oral and ideal for pretty, clean cocktails, while Tropical Orchid offers a luxuriously exotic fl air that's a dream in elegant-yet-beachy quaffs. Lavender and Hibiscus are sweet, true-to-fl ower essences that perfectly enliven cocktails, and the possibilities for all four are seemingly endless. With distinctive fl avor and lovely color, these non-alc elixirs can transform any cocktail on multiple levels—and just think what the chefs out there can do with them. WWW.FLORALINFUSIONS.COM Lavender Revival ◗ 4 oz. vanilla vodka ◗ 1 oz. Elixir of English Lavender ◗ ½ oz. fresh lemon juice ◗ Shake ingredients on ice and pour into a chilled Martini glass. december 201 1 / the tasting panel / 125