Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/884376
72 / the tasting panel / october 2017 92 Champagne Jean Diot NV Blanc de Blancs, France ($55) Juicy and smooth 100% Chardonnay from family vineyards established on the southern slopes of Epernay and the Vallée de la Marne; lovely depth, brightness, and elegance; long and fresh. 92 Celler de Capçanes 2013 La Flor del Flor de Primavera Garnacha, Montsant, Spain ($65) Grenache is native to Spain, and this is a fine example that also happens to be kosher : black raspberry, cherry and spice; medium- bodied, juicy, and savory with graceful style and finesse. ROYAL WINE CORP. 92 Château Malartic- Lagravière 2014 Pessac-Léognan Grand Cru Classé, France ($90) The kosher version from a Grand Cru classé château; deep ruby color ; silky and elegant with ripe, tangy style; balanced and stylish; long and rich. 45% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc. ROYAL WINE CORP. SPIRITS 88 Don Q Piña Rum, Puerto Rico ($14) Clear and showing a pineapple nose; satiny and sweet with ripe pineapple flavors; creamy with a long, tangy finish. SERRALLÉS USA 90 Dulce Vida Pineapple Jalapeño Tequila, Mexico ($20) Handcrafted from 100% Blue Weber agave with an intense aroma of capsicum; pale, cloudy yellow color ; smooth with soft pineapple, some jalapeño heat, and a silky texture. DULCE VIDA SPIRITS 93 Tenure England Vodka, U.K. ($22) Smooth and mellow with dry, neutral flavors from a brand that just launched in the U.S. this year ; elegant and soft with a lush, velvety texture; fresh and long. SAZERAC COMPANY 92 Virus Vodka, USA ($25) Plush texture; dry and peppery with neutral, clean flavors; deep, refined, and long. Six-times distilled, gluten- free, and kosher. IMMORTAL BRANDS, LLC 92 Kilbeggan Single Grain Irish Whiskey, Irish ($30) Light amber color ; rich, smooth grain nose; silky and toasted with lovely barley flavors and elegant style; long, balanced, and sweet. 86 proof. BEAM SUNTORY 92 Copper & Kings American Craft Brandy Copper Pot– Distilled, USA ($35) Soft, toasty oak nose; aromatic and floral yet delicate with deep flavors and considerable finesse; refined with good length. Non-chill filtered with no added flavors. 93 Redemption Wheated Bourbon, USA ($46) Deep toasted grain nose; silky, lush and balanced with dried fruit and spice; sweet oak, vanilla, and soft wheat notes; elegant and deep. DEUTSCH FAMILY WINE AND SPIRITS 92 Cedar Ridge Single Malt Whiskey Single Cask Selection, USA ($63) Medium amber color from Iowa's oldest and largest whiskey-producing distillery; smooth, ripe nose; rich and dense with clean, toasted malt and spice; bready and rich; long, complex, and elegant. BLUE REVIEWS Ratafia is a fortified fruit beverage common in some winemaking regions of Europe—from Abruzzo to Champagne—but little known in the States. This version might change that. Drink as a digestif or alongside desserts and sweet snacks. 92 Breathless Wines NV Ratafia, Napa Valley ($48) A blend of fresh Pinot Gris grape juice fortified with brandy; smooth, rich, and sweet with ripe juicy fruit and good acid structure and balance. Sealed with a glass cork and best served chilled.