2jX32GW

BUYINGGUIDE
BEST BUYS
BEST BUYS
SPIRITS
88
Mirassou 2015 Pinot Grigio (California).
Smoothness and subtlety come with a
texture just rich enough to be interesting, without
damping down the acidity that makes this lightbodied
wine refreshing. It offers flavors of crisp
green apple and a touch of pear. Best Buy. —J.G.
abv: 12.4% Price: $12
87
Oveja Negra 2015 Reserva Estate Bottled
Chardonnay- Viognier (Maule Valley). This
Chardonnay-Viognier blend is a touch viscous in
feel but honest as a whole, with floral and melon
aromas. Mild flavors of white flowers, orange and
green herbs are light in intensity, but are coupled
with a sense of roundness on the palate. Old Bridge
Cellars. Best Buy. —M.S.
abv: 13.5% Price: $11
91
The Pogues (Ireland; MS Walker, Somerville,
MA). “The official Irish whiskey of the legendary
band,” this robust spirit is made at West
Cork Distillers, one of two remaining 100% independently
owned and operated distilleries in Ireland.
The aromas suggest stone fruit and a whiff
of smoke. The palate also shows smoke, plus dried
apricot richness and a mouthwatering saline finish.
A mix of whiskies aged 5 to 10 years. Best Buy.
abv: 40% Price: $40
88
Ste. Chapelle 2015 Special Harvest Riesling
(Snake River Valley). Aromas of ripe
peaches, white flowers and fresh jasmine explode
from the glass. The wine tastes sweet but still shows
delicacy, with enough acid to balance it all out. Best
Buy. —S.S.
abv: 12.5% Price: $10
86
Santa Rita 2015 120 Sauvignon Blanc (Colchagua
Valley). Grassy, slightly green aromas
are fresh and suggest cactus pad. This is easy
on the palate, with flavors of citrus fruits and green
herbs, such as tarragon and rosemary. A crisp finish
is just solid enough to maintain integrity. Palm Bay
International. Best Buy. —M.S.
abv: 13.5% Price: $8
SPIRITS
90
Brothership Irish-American Whiskey Aged 10
Years (Ireland/USA; Millstone Spirits Group,
Philadelphia, PA). This unusual bottling comprises
55% Irish whiskey and 45% American whiskey,
both 10 years old. Look for a citrusy aroma with
a hint of smoke. The palate shows lots of bright
tropical fruit, lemon curd and pear, with a whiff
of smoke, and finishing with drying oak and ginger
heat. Sip or mix.
abv: 45% Price: $50
87
HandCraft 2015 Artisan Collection Dark Red
Wine (California). This delicious, fruity,
lightly sweet wine blends ripe berries and black
cherries on a smooth, supple texture. A touch of
lip-smacking tannin balances it out. Best Buy. —J.G.
abv: 13.5% Price: $9
93
The Tyrconnell 16 Year Old (Ireland; Beam
Suntory, Chicago, IL). This new single malt,
debuting in March 2017, has a fresh, grassy scent, a
drying feel and plenty of bold flavor. Think rounded
almond, subtle vanilla sweetness and coconut
cream pie, finishing with a burst of citrus- and
ginger- peel zing.
abv: 46% Price: $100
90
The Dubliner Irish Whiskey (Ireland; Prestige
Beverage Group, St. Paul, MN). A blend of
single-malt and grain whiskeys, this has a relatively
light, approachable profile. The aroma is bright,
fresh and grassy, with hints of white peach and
smoke. The palate shows subtle sweetness, layering
peach, lemon and grapefruit peel with almond, oak
and coconut, plus a mouthwatering, spicy gingercinnamon
finish. Best Buy.
abv: 40% Price: $27
22 | WINE ENTHUSIAST | MARCH 2017