Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/793596
74 / the tasting panel / march 2017 92 Facundo Eximo Rum, Bahamas ($80) Medium amber color ; smooth, toasty and lush with creamy, rich style; balanced and elegant, long and mellow. Aged ten to 12 years. BACARDI USA 92 Short Mountain Organic Shine Unaged Whiskey, USA ($32) One-hundred-percent grain moonshine; smooth grain nose; spicy, rich earth and corn flavors; toasty and lush with balance, depth and length. SHORT MOUNTAIN DISTILLERY 95 Teeling Whiskey 24 Year old Irish Single Malt Whiskey, Ireland ($500) Medium amber color ; smooth and elegant nose; intense and concentrated with silky texture and toasty oak; mellow and complex with deep, mature flavors; balanced and elegant. INFINIUM SPIRITS 92 Andrew Jackson Dollarhide Spirit of St. Supéry, USA ($100) A Muscat Canelli–based brandy cut to proof with Muscat wine. Spice and floral notes on silky texture; juicy, mellow and rich; ripe and off-dry. A unique product from a unique place. ST. SUPERY 94 Germain-Robin Old & Rare Small Blend No. 2 Brandy, USA ($300) Clean, elegant and intense; silky, bright and toasted with tangy, juicy spice and lush depth. 93 Copper & Kings Zmaj Absinthe Superior, USA ($60) Named for a Balkan dragon and finished in Serbian juniper barrels; pale amber color ; powerful mint and botanicals nose; dry, aromatic, intense and rich. This is the real thing. COPPER & KINGS AMERICAN BRANDY CO. BLUE REVIEWS FROM A 20-ACRE ORGANICALLY FARMED VINEYARD originally planted in 1989 by the legendary Ken Wright of Panther Creek, today's Youngberg Hill estate wines fully realize the enormous potential for Pinot Noir found in Oregon's Willamette Valley. Owner Wayne Bailey, a self-proclaimed "Iowa farm boy" (and mechanical engineer) who purchased the property in 2003, practices "pragmatic" grape-growing and hands-off winemaking in the manner of Burgundy's small vignerons. The results speak for themselves. There's also a lovely bed and breakfast on the 50-acre estate. 91 Youngberg Hill 2015 Pinot Blanc, Willamette Valley ($25) Purchased fruit from some of the oldest Pinot Blanc vines in the Willamette. Bright and lush with smooth texture and rounded, rich apple fruit flavors; soft minerals, spice and good length. 91 Youngberg Hill 2014 Cuvée Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley ($35) Fruit from the Amity-Eola Hills and McMinnville AVAs. Spicy berry nose; juicy and fresh with spice, cherry and raspberry; tangy, bright and balanced; long and stylish. 90 Youngberg Hill 2014 Bailey Estate Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley ($40) The property's newest block, consisting of three acres of Dijon 777 Clone. Spicy, vinous nose; bright, tangy cherry fruit; complex, savory and long. 94 Youngberg Hill 2014 Natasha Estate Pinot Noir, Estate Vineyard, Willamette Valley ($50) Own-rooted Wädenswil and Pommard clones with southeastern exposure. Juicy cherry and rich style; racy acidity and generous fruit; long, balanced and intense with a hint of new oak. 94 Youngberg Hill 2014 Jordan Estate Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley ($50) The four-acre Jordan Block faces south at a steeper slope, catching afternoon coastal breezes. Lush and juicy with smooth texture and rich style; deep, fresh and tangy with Burgundian overtones. 95 Youngberg Hill 2014 Nicolette's Barrel Select Estate Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley ($75) Deep ruby color ; silky, stylish and elegant with tangy acidity and lovely cherry fruit. Worthy in Willamette YOUNGBERG HILL'S PINOTS SING