Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/856981
70 / the tasting panel / august 2017 90 Gillmore Wines 2012 Old Vines Cabernet Franc, Maule Valley, Chile ($45) Smooth and juicy with earth and spice and some herbal notes; tangy and long, fresh and balanced. GLOBAL VINEYARD 93 Livio Felluga 2014 Sossó, Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC, Italy ($80) A sensational and unusual red blend from Friuli; silky and crisp with racy, tangy fruit and lively acidity; loads of finesse and lovely style. Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, Merlot, Pignolo. MW IMPORTS (MIONETTO USA) VALUE AND BY-THE-GLASS RECOMMENDATIONS 92 Rubus 2015 White Blend, France ($11) Importer Fran Kysela created this value-packed label. Lush and tangy with bright acidity; sweet citrus with peach and apricot; fresh, balanced and elegant. 80% Colombard, 10% Ugni Blanc, 10% Gros Manseng. KYSELA PERE ET FILS 91 Trivento 2016 White Orchid Reserve Torrontés, Mendoza, Argentina ($11) Floral and fragrant; lush tropical fruit with peach and citrus highlights; silky and smooth with tangy acidity. Why pay more for Torrontés? EXCELSIOR WINE COMPANY 91 Rich & Creamy 2015 Chardonnay, California ($15) For those who like their Chardonnay "cream soda" style; toasted vanilla oak with peach and cream flavors; soft and sweet with racy acidity. SCOTTO CELLARS SPIRITS 94 Trust Me Ultra Premium Gluten Free Vodka, USA ($35) The potato-based companion to this brand's wheat-based vodka (also excellent). Clean nose; smooth texture and lush flavors; elegant and creamy, supple and long; rich and impressively refined; this vodka stands out for its generosity and class. TRUST ME VODKA 91 Ginny's Gin, USA ($36) Distilled from grapes and grain. Soft, spice nose; smooth and lush with hints of citrus and vanilla; mellow, creamy and rich. HECKA GOODS 92 Black Button Distilling Lilac Gin 2017, USA ($20) Lovely floral, lilac nose; smooth and rich with creamy texture and intensely flavorful; spicy and bursting with deep notes of lilacs and other botanicals; a great addition to any creative cocktail. BLACK BUTTON DISTILLING 94 Mount Gay 1703 Master Select Limited-Edition Batch Rum, Barbados ($150) Deep amber color ; smooth nose; dry, rich and toasty with elegant flavors and a mature caramel finish; complex and multi-layered. RÉMY COINTREAU USA 92 Do Good Distillery Nighthawk Bourbon Whiskey, USA ($46) Light amber color ; smooth vanilla oak nose; toasty, lush and spicy with racy flavors and depth. Distilled in 2013 and aged two years. DO GOOD DISTILLERY 93 Wild Turkey Rare Breed Kentucky Straight Barrel Proof Bourbon Whiskey, USA ($45) Smooth, vanilla nose; rich, toasty and floral with lush, intense sweet oak and spice; creamy, dense and elegant; balanced and long. CAMPARI AMERICA 92 Fremont Mischief Whiskey, USA ($37) Smooth, rich nose; silky and bright with flavors of tea, spice and dried fruit; toasty and graceful. 85% Pacific Northwest rye, 15% Pacific Northwest malted barley. FREMONT MISCHIEF DISTILLERY 92 Re:find Limoncello Liqueur, USA ($28) Clear yellow color ; sweet lemon nose; silky, smooth and creamy-textured; bright, sweet lemon with a touch of rind; long and rich, balanced and quite appealing. PASO ROBLES CRAFT DISTILLING 92 Kavalan Whisky Single Malt Whisky, Taiwan ($90) Smooth and rich with sweet oak and toast; balanced, lush and long with lovely soft flavors and depth; elegant and generous. ANCHOR DISTILLING COMPANY 90 Teton Vishnovka Cherry Flavored Vodka, USA ($29) Pale cherry color ; cherry nose with ripe Bing cherry flavor ; smooth and fresh; long and bright. GRAND TETON DISTILLERY 92 Gružanska Nit Williams Pear Brandy, Serbia ($39) Clear ; smooth pear nose; smooth, dry and lush with pear fruit and deep flavors; rich and dense; long and balanced. LAV IMPORTS BLUE REVIEWS