Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/126443
BLUE REVIEWS 88 Casal Garcia NV Vinho Verde, Portugal ($8) Fresh and juicy with some spritz and smooth citrus and ripe apple fruit; racy and crisp with bright acidity and a bright, bracing style. Also avaiable in some markets in a fourpack of 187ml. minis. 88 Pierre Sparr 2011 Alsace One, Alsace, France ($14) Aromatic with juicy, tangy acidity and showing spice, peach and minerals; bright, crisp and dry with balance and finesse. 40% Muscat, 40% Riesling, 20% Pinot Gris. WILON DANIELS 89 Clarksburg 2011 Chenin Blanc–Viognier, Clarksburg ($16) Aromatic and juicy with smooth texture and bright acidity; clean, long and balanced with pear and minerals, long and fresh. 85% Chenin Blanc, 15% Viognier. AVELEDA 90 Rieslings from S. A. Prüm Waterbrook Winery 2012 Sangiovese Rosé, Columbia Valley ($11) Bright pink color; tangy and juicy with strawberry, peach plus notes of citrus; fresh, clean and racy with lively acidity; silky smooth with great balance and vibrant flavors. FounDeD in 1911, S. A. PrüM has been in the hands of the PRECEPT WINE founder's grandson, Raimund Prüm, since 1971. Under his leadership ,the property has earned a reputation as one of the most successful producers in the Mosel. Today, the estate comprises 40 acres planted mainly to Riesling, much of it within the famed first-growth Wehlener Sonnenuhr. Named for a sundial painted on a slate outcropping, this vineyard is the coveted source of some of Germany's finest Riesling. I recently tasted through the current line-up. 88 Famille Perrin 2011 Côtes du Rhône Rosé Réserve, France ($11) Smooth and fresh with bright color, soft aromas and juicy raspberry fruit; long, dry and balanced with soft, lovely flavors. 60% Cinsault, 20% Syrah, 15% Grenache, 5% Mourvèdre. 94 S. A. Prüm 2010 Riesling Spätlese, Graacher Himmelreich, Mosel ($32) Rich and tangy with sweet/ acid tension; creamy and dense with vanilla and citrus, long and pure; lush and intense; long and juicy. VINEYARD BRANDS 92 88 94 88 S. A. Prüm 2009 Riesling Auslese Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Mosel ($40) Creamy, silky and rich with sweet, honey and lush peach; long, deep and lovely; long and classic. S. A. Prüm 2004 Dry "Old Vines" Riesling Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Mosel ($47) Elegant and balanced with silky texture and purity; fresh, juicy and complex with notes of apricot and citrus; classic and complex with a long finish and great balance. Available in a vertical pack with the 2006 (92 points) and 2007 (93 points). 93 S. A. Prüm 2007 Riesling Trocken, Graacher Dompropst, Mosel ($70) Rich and intense, complex and balanced with smooth, creamy texture and lovely minerality; lush, ripe and layered; long and classic. 97 S. A. Prüm 2001 Riesling Beerenauslese, Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Mosel ($200) Rich gold color; rich and creamy with lovely botrytis and spice; dense candied apricot and honey; complex and multi-layered; bright acidity and depth; long and exquisite. PALM BAY INTERNATIONAL Uvaggio 2011 Vermentino, Lodi ($14) Bright and tangy with juicy flavors of peach, melon and apple; long and fresh, bracing with herbs and good balance; long and charming. Copper River Estate NV Diversion Merlot, Washington ($15) Smooth and bright with plum and clean berry flavors; fresh, balanced and long with good acid structure. SPIRITS 92 Snova Vodka, USA ($25) Soft vanilla nose; silky and smooth with medium weight and good, clean, fresh style; lovely length with a bit of heat on the finish; balanced and subtle. TRUE BRANDS INC. 70 / the tasting panel / may 2013