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Best Study Abroad in-a-Bottle Borgo Scopeto 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva, Vigna Misciano, Italy ($33) They say the best way to learn a language is through immersion programs, but not everyone can jet off to Italy to soak in the genuine culture. For those of us stuck Stateside, travel in a glass of wine will have to do. Just south of Florence and north of Sienna, Borgo Scopeto is a true independent Italian borgo, a charming town with private residences, a village center and idyllic Tuscan terroir that informs its world-class Chianti Classico wines. Borgo Scopeto's single-vineyard Vigna Misciano transports you to the heart of Italy with just one sip, no matter where you are in the world. Aged 14 months in wood and eight in the bottle, it is an intense offering that's all Italian, all the time—even if you still can't speak the language. Edgy, nervy and bracing with clean, pure fl a- vors of plum and blueberry fruit, leather and spice showing a subtle, rich and earthy background; lively and long with great structure and style. VINEYARD BRANDS Most Exotic Pisco 100 Perfectly Peruvian, Peru ($45) Like a foreign exchange student whose charming accent makes her irresistible, Pisco 100 is a spirit packed with sexy, exotic appeal. This handcrafted, traditionally-made Peruvian brandy is riding a wave of success thanks not only to burgeoning category awareness, but also a consumer- driven quest to up the ante in classic quaffs by swapping traditional spirit bases with pisco for a fresh makeover in glamorous cocktails. Mixologists have been happy to dive headfi rst into this spirit as well, fi nding its sophisticated profi le (the result of distilling wine must from blended Quebranta, Torontel and Italia grapes) an ideal canvas for crafting unique drinks that bring a touch of that Latin fl air. Clean, elegant, pure nose; smooth and concentrated with lovely vanilla, great refi nement and depth stylish, silky and quite stunning with a long, elegant fi nish. WWW.PISCO100.COM Most Historic Mandarine Napoléon, Belgium ($37.50 You don't need to be a history scholar to know who Napoleon was, but few know anything more about the war-loving ruler outside of his infamously short stature and world-conquering ambition. Providing a fun fact that's even more enjoyable to drink is Mandarine Napoléon, the mandarin orange liqueur with roots dating back to the late 18th century, when a Belgian chemist created the quaff for the Emperor (when battling his way up to Waterloo, where he was eventually defeated). The original recipe is still used to make Mandarine Napoléon and was fi rst introduced to the consumer in 1892. An elegant and distinctive quaff made from mandarin orange peels and a top-secret blend of herbs and spices, Mandarine Napoléon conquers palates today as easily as its namesake toppled nations 200 years ago. From its remarkable rusted-amber hue, to a nose that jumps right into the heart of the liqueur with an orange peel/bittersweet dark chocolate echo, the brief whisper of violets and a glimmer of cashew nougat edge up against the exotic citrus rind. ROYAL DUTCH DISTILLERS Best Fine-Tuning Act Franciscan Estate 2008 Merlot, Napa Valley ($21) Napa in the 1970s was the Wild West of winemaking. Rugged and untamed, the winemakers of the era were rebellious, innovative and inventive. Leading the charge was Franciscan's Justin Meyer, who boldly pioneered Napa Valley red blends with the 1975 release of the winery's Cabernet Sauvignon, blended with 20% Merlot. Today, the winery's commitment to small-lot blended wines carries on, with winemaker Janet Myers's hands-on attention to detail giving rise to wines that are supple and silky with vibrant, complex fl avors. For the 2008 Franciscan Estate Merlot, 96% Merlot is rounded out by 3% Syrah and 1% Cab Franc, resulting in a complex "Cab-lover's" Merlot that's perfectly fi ne-tuned. Smooth and lush with juicy plum and lovely ripe fl avors and rich texture; balanced, charming and long; fresh, delicious and a good value. CONSTELLATION WINES U.S. december 201 1 / the tasting panel / 121