Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/776532
52 / the tasting panel / january/february 2017 Canalicchio di Sopra 2011 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Italy The Canalicchio di Sopra 2011 Brunello has a soft ruby tone with hints of orange at the outer rim. The nose constructs a framework of strawberry, cherry and plum fruit tinged with cinnamon, tobacco and orange peel. I find this to be immediately approachable, and the soft tannins will allow for a mild evolution for short term consump- tion. With a drinking window of at least eight to ten years, it's perfect timing for your 2010s to come into their own. I really love the label of the Canalicchio with the unmistak- able clock tower of Montalcino; there is little doubt where the wine comes from. 92 VINIFERA IMPORTS Castello Banfi 2011 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Italy The Castello Banfi 2011 Brunelli Montalcino is everything I expect from Banfi—a beautiful medium tone that is light and airy. On the palate, a supple texture that champions the cherry and plum undertones. The nose offers earth tones mixed with cherry, orange peel, blonde tobacco and red meat. After cellaring for a year or two, this wine will deliver a bit more to the finish and gain in overall intensity. A fine showing for the vintage from one of the top producers. The label has been the same for decade; no mistaking Castello Banfi. This is their flagship wine and the reason the Mariani family came to Montalcino. 92+ BANFI VINTNERS For info on submitting samples, email jabs@sommjournal.com. FEATURED RETAILER GURU Smiley Quick, Vendome Wine & Spirits, Toluca Lake, CA A name like Smiley Quick must be difficult to live up to, but knowing Smiley person- ally I'd say that his name has trouble living up to him. A vibrant, magnetic charm radi- ates from the man, especially when he's talking about Italian wine. This charisma, great knowledge and experience has placed him in the most established and respected retail venues in Los Angeles, from Wally's and Gil Turner's to The Flask and, currently, Vendome Wine & Spirits in Toluca Lake. Sit next to this Certified Sommelier during any wine seminar and you'll notice his blue eyes sparkle as loudly as his questions and commentary. It's an honor to have him as this issue's featured retailer guru. "Consumers are paying more and more attention to wine labels," notes Smiley. "Their interest is going beyond grape varietals, growing regions and alcohol levels. Now more than ever before customers want to know what else is in their wine. Questions about sulfates, pesticides and sustainability are all being asked by today's consumer. As a retailer, you have to be able to answer these questions and know much more than just what tastes good. Wine labels today are all over the place. They are sexy, wild, artistic, bold and in some cases straight to the point. Catching the customer's eye puts your wine at the front of the line. When I walk down the wine aisle of my local grocery store, I can see what the general public is responding to and buying. You have to be aware, because many of these wine buyers are going to find their way into wine shops somewhere down the road, and you need to be ready to help them. Not only does quality need to be in the bottle, but we need to be impressed by the label." Smiley Quick, Italian Wine Specialist, Vendome Wine & Spirits, Toluca Lake, CA. Smiley Quick's Tasting Notes