Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/628173
january-february 2016 / the tasting panel / 145 Most Unconventional Principe de los Apostoles Mate Gin, Argentina ($35) An infused spirit distilled in Mendoza, Argentina, Principe de los Apostoles Mate Gin is an artisanal gin that steps away from the conventional, juniper-forward London dry model. It is crafted in small, 200- liter batches in a copper pot still on a foundation of grain neutral spirits. The botanicals used include juniper berries, coriander seeds, yerba mate leaves, pep- permint, eucalyptus and pink grapefruit zest. The botanicals are macerated individually, filtered and blended. It expands quickly revealing the flavors of yerba mate, pink grapefruit, anise and cinnamon with light juniper notes on the lingering fade. Smooth mint nose; aromatic and silky with a recipe that includes eucalyptus, coriander, grapefruit, mint and yerba mate; mellow and lush with unique and lovely style; elegant and balanced with a long finish. 94 —Anthony Dias Blue, Blue Reviews EXTRA!, December 2015 SOUTHERN STARZ Most Artistic Galerie Wines 2012 Pleinair Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($50) Armed with a full palate of Napa Valley fruit, this wine paints outside the lines with shades of purple and gorgeous structure that inspires even the most discerning critic. This label showcases the difference between Napa Valley and Knights Valley fruit. The supple, deep and intense Napa Cab shows ripe blackberry, plum and spice with seamless style. (Its Knights Valley sibling, called Latro and fermented in exactly the same way, rated 92 points in my tasting.) 94 —Anthony Dias Blue, Blue Reviews, November 2015 GALERIE WINES Most Pure Chardonnay Gary Farrell 2013 Chardonnay, Olivet Lane Vineyard, Russian River Valley ($45) With Wente clone Chardonnay planted here since 1973, Gary Farrell's Olivet Lane Vineyard Chardonnay is a pure example of Russian River Valley Chardonnay, with rich complexity achieved through a masterful combination of old vine balance and a near- perfect 2013 growing season. Moderate temperatures with cool, dry evenings allowed for slow, steady development, and eight-month sur lees aging in 40% new French oak has made this Chard one for the record books. Today, Winemaker Theresa Heredia is a steward not only of the Russian River terroir, but also a champion of Gary Farrell's continued commitment to exploration and innovation, bringing new finesse to the Gary Farrell house style through artisan winemaking techniques, including extended maceration, whole cluster and native yeast fermentation and new oak tanks and puncheons. Pure with searing acidity and graceful flavors of spice, vanilla and tangy fruit; fresh and balanced; racy yet mellow. 91 —Anthony Dias Blue Reviews, October 2015 VINCRAFT GROUP