Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/776532
144 / the tasting panel / january/february 2017 Lamole di Lamole 2012 Chianti Classico Blue Label, Italy ($22) Touted as one of the "cradles of fine Chianti" in the 1800s, the vineyards of Lamole di Lamole were first discovered by Romans, who recognized the great farming potential of the amphitheater- shaped land. Over time, a complex system of terracing was whittled into the hills of what is now the hamlet of Greve in Chianti. When Lamole was purchased by the Santa Margherita Wine Group in the early '90s, these ancient vineyards were revived and are currently in the process of organic conversion today. Thrilling acidity is both calmed and stimulated by ripe wild cherry and tart rhubarb, rooibos tea tannins and sour cherry. Fragrant savory notes of charcuterie linger as an echo along with a touch of nutmeg. 94 —Meridith May, September 2016 SANTA MARGHERITA USA Viña Siegel 2012 Unique Selection Los Lingues Red, Alto Colchagua Valley, Chile ($33) Breaking the mold and marching to the beat of its own drummer, the Viña Siegel 2012 Unique Selection Los Lingues Red is the utmost expression of the best of Los Lingues arsenal of vineyards located in the Alto Colchagua region. Sure to shine in any environment, this wine is a stand-alone champ. The blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Carmenère and 20% Syrah is an expressive array of deep, black fruit and spice. A vein of chocolate sweetens violet petals, and the texture and density of the wine is impressive to the finish. Aged in French oak for 14–16 months. A true-blue match with red meat. 92 —Meridith May, Publisher's Picks, April 2016 BEST CHARACTER Copper & Kings American Craft Brandy, USA ($35) Copper & Kings American Brandy Co. prides itself on never cutting corners or tak- ing the easy road. The company produces pure copper pot–distilled American Craft Brandy, and then matures the spirit in Kentucky bourbon barrels and new American oak barrels. Non-chill-filtered and unadulterated by added boisé or caramel color for an authentic natural flavor and natural color. Aromatic grape varieties are copper pot–distilled and non-chill-filtered. This 90-proof spirit is matured in Kentucky bourbon and medium char American oak barrels. The nose is elegant, with cara- mel, summer peach and a hint of vanilla. The palate becomes more outspoken, with a range of flavors from tobacco leaf to orange peel to tongue-trotting black pepper. The brandy makes a grand statement for the domestic spirits category. 94 —Meridith May, Publisher's Picks, June 2016 MOST EXTRA-SPECIAL There's nothing more magical than taking one of our favorite spirits and kicking it up a notch. Twice-barreled Woodford Reserve Double Oaked takes bourbon to new heights, while this Herradura release bottles straight off the still, resulting in super-fresh, clean agave flavors. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon ($60) offers deep amber color; toasty caramel nose; lush and buttery with flavors of toasted oak, caramel and chocolate. Smooth, elegant and complex. 94 —Anthony Dias Blue, April 2016 Herradura Colección de la Casa Reserva 2015 Directo de Alambique ($90) is suave, elegant and spicy with pepper and haunting echoes of agave. Refined and balanced. 92 —Anthony Dias Blue, March 2016 BROWN-FROMAN YEARBOOK MOST CLASSICISTIC MOST UNIQUE