Organization: Ecco Caffe, Santa Rosa, California
Coffee: Ecco Reserve Espresso
Reviewed: September 2005
Overall Rating: 90 points
Aroma: 8
Acidity:
Body: 7
Flavor: 8
Aftertaste: 8
Roast (Agtron): Medium (46/58)
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Origin: Mogiana growing region, Sao Paulo State, and Cerrado growing region, Minas Gerais State. Brazil.

Notes: Both components of this blend are Brazils from the 2004 crop. Mogiana is one of the older and more traditional producing regions of fine Brazil coffees; Cerrado is one of the newer and most technically progressive. Ecco Caffe is a tiny, genuinely artisan specialty roaster that specializes in relatively light-roasted, "Northern Italian Style" espressos. Visit www.eccocaffe.com or call 707-525-9309 for more information.

Blind Assessment: A refined, quietly understated espresso. Delicately complex aroma with vanilla and milk chocolate innuendos. Medium body, smooth mouthfeel in the small cup, balanced in flavor with a slight cedary sharpness and semi-sweet chocolate notes. Maintains its dry chocolate, muted fruit elegance nicely in milk. Co-taster Ted Lingle's rating: 91; Ken's: 89. Nominating reader Teri Bolla remarks accurately on this blend's balance, "total finesse" and "fruit/cocoa floral" character.

Who should drink it: Those who assert themselves quietly.

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