Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/49694
Etude 2010 Pinot Gris, Carneros ($24) Borne of Alsatian clones, this scented supple sipper brings us back to the garden in the middle of Spring with the lure of peaches, honeysuckle and a basket of limes, oranges and lemons. A glistening gem-like minerality keeps it focused. 92 TREASURY WINE ESTATES Les Deux Chats 2010 Zinfandel, Benito Dusi Vineyard, Paso Robles ($32) Dry-farmed and aged in 100% Pennsylvania oak, this West Side Zin takes shape right away, regardless of its youth. Dark cherry combines with a peppered vanilla-cinnamon spice, and vibrant acidity opens it up further. 90 B Cellars 2007 Blend 24, Napa Valley ($45) The addition of 30% Sangiovese to an already intriguing blend of 30% Cab Sauvignon, 20% Syrah and 20% Petite Sirah, makes this Napa red a combination of blue fl owers and fruit, earthy soil and a dense cherry underbelly. We are fascinated by what winemaker Kirk Venge has accomplished. 93 SPIRITS Concannon Irish Whiskey, Ireland ($25) This amber-honey hued beauty may be young—in fact, a light astringency proves it. But be patient and the salted butterscotch nose leads to pretty paths of white cake and almonds. From the fi rst pass and throughout, white roses appear to fold into gingerbread. Parchment scent and fl avor evolves into spiced apple, fi nishing with a peppered orange marmalade. Made at the Cooley Distillery. 93 THE WINE GROUP Mañana Blanco Tequila 100% de Agave, Mexico ($40) Magnolia blossom enhances a nose of cinnamon and lime: true agave fl avors waft out of the glass. Ginger and nutmeg excite the tongue with a sexy sting. 91 GUEST EDITOR KATE WEBBER of Webber Restaurant Group, Groton, MA ITALIAN GEMS On a recent trip to Italy, I had the opportunity to taste wines at some of the most beautiful wineries in Tuscany. The wines below stuck out as my favorite food wines for a steakhouse and some of the best drinking wines around. Lionello Marchesi 2007 Castello di Monastero Chianti Classico ($20) A classic Chianti Classico with tart red cherries, dusty earth and faint leather. The wine has great structure with hints of smoke and toasted oak. Full-bodied and dry, this wine goes well with steaks and heavy sauces. We love it with our meatloaf, sliders and chorizo cornbread stuffi ng. W. J. DEUTSCH Castello Poggiarello 2009 Collerosso IGT ($25) This wine is a perfect balance of fruit and place, with raspberries, black cherries and dark earth. You can taste the ground and the rocky minerality, making it truly unique while remaining truly Tuscan. The smooth tannins and bright acid make it perfect with ground meat, brisket and steak tips. We recommend it with meat from our smoker. Cabernet Franc, Merlot. NORTH BERKELEY IMPORTS Vignamaggio 2008 Castello di Monna Lisa Chianti Classico Riserva ($42) Named after the model for Da Vinci's Mona Lisa, this wine is full-bodied but balanced with beautiful chocolate and meaty-dusty notes. The palate is dry and complex, with lingering red and black cherry. Great with fi re-grilled steak. Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet. BEDFORD INTERNATIONAL Fèlsina 2001 Berardegna Vin Santo ($50/375 ml.) Seven years aging in oak gives this dessert wine depth, intensity and color comple- mented by golden raisin, fi g, nuts, orange, honeysuckle and acacia fl avors. Elegant and focused with acid to bal- ance the sweetness. Perfect with nuts, crème brûlée, soft and hard cheeses or our butterscotch bread pudding. Trebbiano, Malvasia, Sangiovese. december 201 1 / the tasting panel / 55