Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/7240
march 2010 / the tasting panel / 59 Wine 90 Ancient Peaks 2008 Sauvignon Blanc, Paso Robles ($12) A deep, rich creaminess permeates this startling white; lemon fragrance, banana bread and custard set a unique tone along with mandarin/lime freshness. 88 Hahn Estates 2007 Merlot, Monterey ($14) Ripe and juicy with a backdrop of dusty tannins. Its cranberry-rich fruit is inspired by a gracefulness, good acidity and, to end the equation, great value. SMITH & HOOK 89 Vallformosa 2008 Syrah-Tempranillo, Penedés, Spain ($15) More New World than Old, juicy and fresh, seamlessly modern; earth and white pepper are just a side note to rich Bing cherry and boysenberry pie. ECO VALLEY 89 + Bianchi Winery 2006 Heritage Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, Lakeside Ranch, Paso Robles ($24) Raspberry jam permeates this medium bodied spice rack of a wine; cinnamon, basil and a hint of black olive add depth, and it possesses a fine acidity and dry tannins. 93 Freestone 2007 Pinot Noir, Pastorale Vineyard, Sonoma Coast ($100) The aromas are reminiscent of walking into a coffee shop: caffè latte, almonds, hazelnut and jellied pastries. It all comes down to a focused flavor burst, a shade of graphite and a finish that brings you to the edge of the seashore. JOSEPH PHELPS Spirits 90 Ventura Limoncello Company Limoncello Crema, USA ($25) Sun-drenched Ventura, CA lemons in a seamlessly satisfying cream base composes a rich but subtly arranged medley of texture, flavor and freshness. 92 Don Q Coco, USA ($16) Pleasurable cocoa and coconut aromas lead to a full-bodied, tropical treat. The flavors are so pure and natural tasting: nuances of mango and brown sugar work wonders with the coconut in this 42-proof spirit based on Puerto Rican rum. SERRALES USA In each issue THE TAST- ING PANEL's Publisher and Executive Editor, Meridith May, selects her favorite wines and spir- its of the month. Check here for the latest arrivals in our offices, the hot- test new brands on the market and an occasional revisited classic. PICKS Publisher's 90 Tres Leches Triple Cream Liqueur, USA ($22) Inspired by the Mexican wedding cake, this triple- cream liqueur blended with Caribbean rum covers the palate with a satisfyingly rich and not-too-sweet texture. We experimented with its mixability, which raised its score even higher. More milky than any cream liqueur we've tasted, spiced with a tad of cinnamon and, ultimately, delicious. WESTERN SPIRITS