Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/723381
september 2016 / the tasting panel / 71 89 Broadside 2014 Wild Ferment Chardonnay, Central Coast ($18) Sister label to Paso Robles–based Giornata. Creamy and toasty with a core of firm acidity; bright and juicy with racy pear fruit and a long finish. WINE HOOLIGANS 88 Ferraton Père & Fils 2014 Samorëns, Côtes du Rhône Rouge, France ($14) A nice everyday red from the noted Northern Rhône producer. Silky and fresh with lively raspberry; smooth, balanced and bright. 85% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 5% Cinsault. SERA WINE IMPORTS 88 Villa Trasqua 2014 Traluna, Tuscany IGT, Italy ($16) A venerable estate owned by Dutch industrialist Hans Hulsbergen. Clean and juicy with crisp berry fruit. 95% Sangiovese, 5% Alicante Bouschet. PALMATEER WINE GROUP 88 Los Frailes 2013 Monastrell/ Garnache Tintorera, Valencia, Spain ($15) This venerable winery, where Monstrell (aka Mouvèdre) is a specialty, has been in the same family's hands since 1771. Smooth and juicy with tangy berry fruit and racy acidity. Organic and biodynamic. 70% Monastrell, 30% Garnacha Tintorera. ALEXANDER JULES SPIRITS 93 Pusser's Rum Gunpowder Proof, Barbados ($35) This 17-century-style British Navy rum is a history lesson in a bottle: the ship's "pusser" (purser) once doled out the sailor's ration of rum, and gunpowder was used to prove the strength of the alcohol (hence "proof "). Smooth, rich with flavors of toasted orange rind, tamarind and brown sugar ; lush and powerful; long and balanced. 92 proof. SHAW ROSS INTERNATIONAL IMPORTERS 92 Mendeleev Vodka, Ukraine ($22) Clean, dry and silky with pure, bright and neutral style; just a hint of vanilla and edgy process flavors; long and honest; fresh and authentic. ALOY & SONS 92 Peony Vodka, USA ($34) Smooth, slightly floral, herbal nose; lush and sweet with floral notes; rich, mellow and long; intense and ripe. THREE MEADOWS SPIRITS LLC 92 Toast Vodka with Coconut Water, USA ($31) Smooth, lush and mellow with soft hints of coconut water, but essentially dry and understated; clean and soft with balance and charm; try it in vodka cocktails. TOAST SPIRITS INTERNATIONAL, INC. 94 Paul John Indian Edited Single Malt Whisky, India ($65) Grassy barley nose; medium amber color ; smooth and toasty with notes of mocha and spice; chocolate on the finish with mellow and complex flavors. A product of Goa. DOMAINE SELECT 93 Flaming Leprechaun Special Reserve Irish Whiskey, Ireland ($30) Medium amber color ; smooth, earthy nose; lush and smooth texture with ripe, toasted style; mellow, lush and balanced with a long, bright finish. 3 HEARTS OF IRELAND