Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/10329
Publisher’s Wine 90 PICKS Candor NV Zinfandel, Lot 2, California ($18) Fleshy and fruity with that certain tongue-slapping spice that Zins are known for; chocolate and prune weave a sweetness into a clove-y, gobby-yet-creamy finish. HOPE FAMILY WINES Meridith May with top mixologist Jeffrey Morgenthaler of Clyde Common in Portland, OR, at the WSWA Spirits and Mixology competition. In each issue THE TASTING PANEL’s Publisher and Executive Editor, Meridith May, selects her favorite wines and spirits of the month. Check here for the latest arrivals in our offices, the hottest new brands on the market and an occa- sional revisited classic. Cuvée, Santa Barbara County ($18) Hearty and earthy, this is a jubilant Rhône blend (GSM with some Cinsault) that boasts sweet, juicy cherries in 92 a vanilla-cream textured base. Brightly lit from within! FOLEY FAMILY WINES Pinot Noir, Bacigalupi Vineyard, Russian River Valley ($46) The mocha on the nose is delightful and leads into a ripe raspberry, while base notes hum with earthiness; the acidity is sunny. While delicate in mouthfeel, this wine has strength and elegance. 93 Clos LaChance 2007 Merlot, Hummingbird Series: Violet- Crowned, Central Coast ($18) Blended with Cab and Cab Franc, this is a food-begger for all of its sour cherry and high acidity profile—a strategy not unlike some of Italy’s fine Sangioveses—but this is Central Coast: dense and sunny. 89 74 / the tasting panel / may 2010 John Tyler Wines 2006 Curtis Winery 2006 Heritage ($25) This tiny-production red hits the wow factor in our book. Dark, deep notes combine with fruity and bright accents; strawberry- citrus highs and mocha-vanilla creaminess balance it out beautifully. 91 91 Vigne Regali 2008 L’Ardi Dolcetto d’Acqui, Italy ($12) ripe and grapey, snappy acidity highlights blackberry and plum freshness from this easy drinker. A really good vintage to showcase this Piedmontese food-friendly red. BANFI VINTNERS Chateau Ste. Michelle 2007 Grenache, Columbia Valley orange palate that is both edgy and creamy; black olive, sage and licorice. This Russian wheat vodka is six-times distilled and five- times filtered. Spirits 90 GEMINI SPIRITS & WINE 93 Martini & Rossi Rosato, Italy ($10) Extremely pleasing and refreshing; red fruit notes of raspberry and pomegranate are a creative match with cinnamon and a freshly squeezed lime nuance. Mixable, sure, but on the rocks, 2010’s new summer sipper. BACARDI USA Stiletto Vodka, Russia ($30) Savory from the start: a salty, burnt-