Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/68310
Niner Wine Estates 2007 Fogcatcher, Bootjack Ranch, Paso Robles ($50) A creamy fruit bomb that grabs your teeth but still manages an old world acidity. Black and blue fruit mingle with purple fl owers. An underlying splash of creamy espresso and an herbal stoney-ness makes this a stand-out. 95 Ernie Els 2007 "Signature," Stellenbosch, South Africa ($95) The grapes sourced (a blend of all fi ve Bordeaux varieties, led by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) were all from the Ernie Els property in the Helderberg region within Stellenbosch. Coffee bean richness makes for a dense mouthfeel. The black fruit is teetering on tobacco and the ripe currants edge up to black olives. The hard-working tannins are softened by a creamy fi nish which, although dotted with pepper, goes on for miles. 95 TERLATO WINES INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS Tequila REVOLUCION Silver, Mexico ($40) With a seductive nose of lime blossom, agave notes are lifted in bright light, headed to mango and lanolin, tempered by lanolin and salty caramel. On the palate, briny agave washes over the tongue with a dot of jalapeño. This tequila is a balance of charm and edge. 94 TEQUILA REVOLUCION Soplica Vodka, Poland ($12) Distinct tropical notes on the nose, unique for an Eastern European vodka. The pineapple offers a distance sweetness, followed by a blueberry softness. On the palate, a creaminess ensues, picking up the fl avors on the aromas and neatly tying them together for a seamless, lovely fi nish. 90 CW IMPORTS Uncle Val's Botanical Gin, USA ($40) Tangerine, lemon blossoms and blue fl owers sing the praises of gin in this wonderful new product from The Other Guys' new spirits division, 35 Maple Street. Named for August Sebastiani's uncle Valerio Cecchetti from Lucca, Italy, the botanicals chosen are the same that Uncle Val likes to use in his cooking: lemon, juniper, cucumber, sage and lavender. But we picked up a lovely weight and a syrup of white-peppered marshmallow that made these all the more appealing. 96 35 MAPLE STREET june 2012 / the tasting panel / 65 Here's how to wine them. Starting at $3 per glass. YOU KNOW HOW TO DINE THEM. Available through your distributor or at riedelop.com. T:10.875" Degustazione Red Wine Glass Height: 8-7/8" Capacity: 19-3/4 oz.