Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/807384
80 / the tasting panel / april 2017 Levendi 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stagecoach Vineyard, Napa Valley ($75) Sleek aromas of pencil shavings on black currants spark intrigue. This pedigreed vineyard offers up dark choco- late within a blackberry nectar. Earth tones and sandalwood, along with jasmine-dusted Italian herbs make this an artful red. 94 Levendi 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley ($90) This is a mineral-driven Earth Mother in all her glory. She coats the mouth with espresso tannins while layering jalapeño brightness and an abundance of her concentrated black fruit. 94 SPIRITS Década Silver Tequila, Mexico ($46) It took ten years to grow the agave in the Highlands of Jalisco for this stunning silver tequila, hence the name Década. Even the custom French-made bottle is in the shape of an X,alluding to the Roman numeral for ten. The nose stirs up salted caramel, roasted corn and grilled pineapple. The melting of white chocolate on the mouth is a wonderful sensation, and the white pepper calms the sweetness with an elegant caress. 95 Suau El Mallorquin Solera Reserva 15 Year Old Brandy, Spain ($40) Oranges and hazelnut butter on the nose show a depth of exotic perfume. Indulgent flavors of sweet potatoes, tangerine zest, cedar-planked papaya and cinnamon sugar are wrapped in a plush texture. The layered and almost immodestly sensual finish actually has a calm- ing effect on the senses. 95 STOLLER IMPORTS Mosswood Nocino Barrel Aged Whiskey, USA ($50) Finished in nocino (walnut liqueur)-macerated barrels, this 92-proof whiskey has a cocoa-walnut nose, with hints of nougat and black tea. On the palate, an astringent texture of walnut pith and leather merges with a softer core of peach and just-picked strawberry. 92 MOSSWOOD DISTILLING J. R. Ewing Private Reserve Bourbon, Texas ($30) This 80-proof whiskey has been re-formulated and shows itself as an elegant American sipper. Scents of apricot, fresh summer peach, butternut squash and a touch of salinity are fascinating combinations. White pepper trickles down the throat as the stone fruit notes rise, softening out to a finish of syrup-like textured honey. 95 SOUTHWEST SPIRITS Limoncello di Capri, Italy ($27) The farmers of the Ovale di Sorrento IGP provide the lemons for this lovely 60-proof liqueur. Using lemon peels and no colorants, preservatives or added flavors, it has a tart-sweet nose that indicates its freshness and authenticity. It melts across the mouth without any cloying notes and shows beautifully on ice. 91 TOTAL BEVERAGE SOLUTIONS Montenegro Amaro Liqueur, Italy ($27) At 46 proof, Montenegro has become one of the leading amari and is extremely popular with mixologists. The sarsaparilla nose is iconic, the palate an experience of bitters and sweets, intertwin- ing with twists and turns, from chocolate to root vegetable to orange zest. 94 TOTAL BEVERAGE SOLUTIONS Absolut Lime, Sweden ($20) The newest flavor in the lineup for this iconic brand. The scent of lime is authentic, but there is also a touch of the tropical on board. Not sweet or cloying, a touch of white pepper seasons the fruitiness, leaving a zest to continue through to the finish. 90 PERNOD RICARD USA Firestone & Robertson TX Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey, USA ($50)This 90-proof whiskey uses locally farmed Texas corn and wheat and a one-of-a-kind cultivated yeast. On the nose, cigar leaf, red berries, resin and caramel play a role. The taste profile is big: Figs, raisins and black fruit work in tandem with espresso and spiced oak. The finish lightens up with a warm orange peel that gets you ready to sip again. 92 FIRESTONE & ROBERTSON DISTILLING CO. Fernet dei Fratelli Loreto Ricetta Originale, USA ($35) A Florence family recipe, hand- crafted by an Italian distiller at Elixir artisanal distillery in Eugene, Oregon. Botanicals from Europe and the Pacific Northwest are combined to create this American liqueur styled after the fine amari of Italy. Sarsaparilla, sage, anise, vanilla, oak and a bevy of herbs, barks and spices format the nose and palate. Texturally smooth, the bitters surface with grace and leave the finish of a fine digestif. Created in small, handmade batches using pure McKenzie River water. 92 ELIXIR Publisher's PICKS