Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/21004
WINES ALPHA OMEGA 2009 Chardonnay Unoaked ($36) ARTESA 2008 Estate Reserve Chardonnay, Carneros ($26) BECKMEN VINEYARDS 2007 Syrah, Purisima Mountain Vineyard, Santa Ynez ($55) BODEGAS CONDADO DE HAZA 2006 Condado de Haza, Ribera del Duero ($30) CLASSICAL WINES BROWNE FAMILY VINEYARDS 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley ($35) PRECEPT BRANDS CAMPESINO CELLARS 2008 Syrah, Sangiacomo Old Lakeville Vineyard ($35) CONTINUUM WINE 2007 Napa Valley ($140) COUP DE FOUDRE 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($95) CURTIS WINERY 2006 Heritage Cuvée, Santa Barbara County ($18) FOLEY FAMILY WINES DAOU VINEYARDS 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, La Capilla Collection, Paso Robles ($46) ETKO NV CENTURION, Commandaria, Cyprus ($130) WONDERFUL ETHNIC INC. Bakon Chocolate Martini 1 part Bakon Vodka 1 part chocolate liqueur Splash of cream Combine in a cocktail shaker and shake with ice. Strain and pour into a sugar-rimmed Martini glass. Most Well-Rounded BAKON VODKA ($30) Made in Idaho from quality Northwest potatoes and infused with the authentic taste of crisp, peppered pork belly, Bakon Vodka is one of the most sensational flavors we’ve discovered this year. The smoky bacon nose is not at all contrived; in fact, it’s tempting as all get-out. The palate is just as authentic: clean and slightly sweet with a how-did-they-do-it authenticity. No heat at all, merely slightly peppery and down- right delectable. Versatility is Bakon’s middle name. It rocks a Bloody Mary like Buddy Holly rocking the senior prom, but don’t hestitate to slurp it up in one of the brand’s “carnivorous cocktails” . . . say, the Bakon Oyster Shooter: a jigger of Bakon over a freshly-shucked raw oyster with a saucy dash of Tabasco. It mingles well with chocolate and fruit flavors such as orange and pineapple, too (see recipe). Cooks can even use it to marinate steaks before grilling. If there’s anything Bakon can’t do, we haven’t found it, putting this one at the head of the class for both unique- ness and versatility. BLACK ROCK SPIRITS december 2010 / the tasting panel / 37