December 2001

SUPERB (95) Highly Recommended
Casa Noble Reposado 100% Blue Agave Tequila (Mexico, Vamonos Rapido, Los Angeles, CA), 40% abv, $50.

Matured in French oak for a full year. Light amber-yellow shade.

The nose is seductive right from the first nosing pass as mature scents of brine, forest herbs and lead pencil enchant the olfactory sense; the second and third sniffings feature more of the pepperiness than the lead pencil plus aromas of soft caramel, mild oak, herbal agave and sea salt; a genuinely elegant and top-of-the-category bouquet.

The intensely sweet taste at palate entry is more vegetal than oaky or caramelly; the midpalate stage is laden with sweet light toffee and candied nut flavors.

The finish is toasty, caramelly and resiny from the oak.