Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/977771
may 2018 / the tasting panel / 73 91 Viña Casablanca 2017 Nimbus Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Casablanca Valley, Chile ($12) Bright citrus nose; silky, crisp, and tangy; balanced and long; a classic from this environmentally-conscious winery. CAROLINA WINE BRANDS USA 89 Waterbrook Winery 2016 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, Washington ($12) This 34-year-old winery was one of the first in Walla Walla; smooth and lush with rich texture and ripe pear fruit; deep and graceful. PRECEPT WINE 88 E2 Family Winery Zagans Fire NV Mango, Lodi, California ($8) Bright mango nose; smooth and luscious with balanced, fresh, and bright flavors; not overly sweet and quite nice for a fruit-flavored wine. SPIRITS 90 Ancho Reyes Ancho Chile Liqueur, Mexico ($33) Smooth, sweet capsicum nose; silky and lush with ancho chile that adds a good measure of heat; a dense and rich liqueur based on a 1927 recipe. WILLIAM GRANT & SONS 90 Fluid Dynamics Russell Henry London Dry Gin, USA ($20) Smooth and aromatic with a hint of Vya Extra Dry Vermouth; infused with botanicals like juniper, coriander, orris root, and lemon peel. 91 Marble Distilling Co. Moonlight EXpresso Rocky Mountain Roast, USA ($33) Deep caramel color with a roasted coffee nose; lush, creamy, and sweet; toasted, rich, and long; made from a signature "family recipe." 92 Nosotros Tequila Reposado, Mexico ($46) Soft agave nose with notes of earth, spice, vanilla, and roasted agave on the palate; honeyed, balanced, and spicy with a long finish. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. PARK STREET IMPORTS 88 Ron Barceló Añejo Dominican Rum, Dominican Republic ($16) Medium amber color ; woody nose with notes of sugar and silky texture; toasty with balance and considerable flavor at a very good price; destined for cocktails. SHAW-ROSS 92 Sierra Norte Single Barrel White Corn Whiskey, Mexico ($50) Clean and smooth with a hint of corn and spice; balanced, rich, and fresh. Whiskey from Mexico—who knew? PARK STREET IMPORTS 92 Stillhouse Spirits Co. Black Bourbon, USA ($30) Rich amber color with a warm, sweet nose; lovely notes of roasted coffee, spice, and nuts from time spent mellowing in coffee beans; creamy and dense with a long, complex finish; the innovative packaging is an added bonus. 91 True Myth 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles ($24) Rich and spicy nose; polished, lush, and juicy; a beautiful wine from the Niven family with an equally beautiful label at an amazing price.