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BLUE rEVIEWS Anthony Dias BLUE REVIEWS DOMESTIC 90 I n each issue, Editor-in-Chief Anthony Dias Blue selects a wide range of the best wines and spirits from among the more than 500 he samples over the course of a month. The reviews are subjective editorial evaluations, made without regard to advertising, and products are scored on a 100-point scale: 85-89: VERY GOOD 90-94: OUTSTANDING 95-100: CLASSIC Once products are selected for publication, producers and importers will be offered the option of having their review accompanied by an image (bottle photo or label art) for a nominal fee. There is no obligation to add an image, nor does the decision affect the review or score in any way. The "twisty" icon indicates wines sealed with a screwcap closure. For additional Blue Reviews, go to www.tastingpanelmag.com. Prices are for 750 ml. bottles unless otherwise noted. Murrieta's Well 2012 The Whip, Livermore Valley ($21) Eight white varieties combine to make a smooth, balanced wine with depth and spiciness; juicy, mellow and long. 43% Chardonnay, 15% Gewurztraminer, 13% Sauvignon Blanc, 9% Orange Muscat, 8% Viognier, 5% Pinot Blanc, 4% Semillion, 3% Muscat Canelli. WENTE FAMILY ESTATES 91 Truett-Hurst 2011 Sauvignon Blanc, Bluebird, Russian River Valley ($22) Fresh and expressive with juicy citrus and passion fruit; bright and tangy with intensity and lovely stone fruits; balanced, classic and long. TRUETT-HURST 90 Wild Horse 2011 Unbridled Chardonnay, Bien Nacido & Rancho Real Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley ($24) Ripe and dense with juicy acidity and bright apple and white peach fruit; silky and deep with balance and a fine finish. CONSTELLATION BRANDS 90 Balverne 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, Forever Wild, Russian River Valley ($25) Silky and bright with juicy citrus and tropical fruit; complex and lovely with fine structure and a long, vibrant finish. WINDSOR OAKS VINEYARDS 91 Foxen Vineyard 2012 Dry-Farmed Chardonnay, Tinaquaic Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley ($37) Bright and tangy with ripe apple and citrus; crisp and tangy with juicy fruit and fresh balance; long and lively. 90 Cascade Ridge Cellars 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley ($20) Smooth and lush with ripe plum, blackberry and cassis; juicy and fresh with balance and lovely style; long and precise. 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec, 6% Syrah, 1% Merlot. PRECEPT WINE 91 Peachy Canyon 2011 Zinfandel, Mustard Creek Vineyard, Paso Robles ($38) Tangy and crisp with bright blackberry and juicy cherry; lush and fresh with bright acidity and lovely style; balanced, long and charming. 91 Star Lane 2009 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara ($44) Smooth and lush with concentration and intensity; ripe plum, cherry and blackberry with notes of spice and chocolate; wellstructured and long with balance and style. 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot. 92 VML 2011 Pinot Noir, Earth, Barrel Selection, Russian River Valley ($48) Juicy and bright with ripe cherry, cola and spice; tangy, supple and complex with lovely texture and a long, elegant finish. 58% Malbec, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Petit Verdot. TRUETT-HURST 78 / the tasting panel / october 2013 TP1013_066-107.indd 78 9/23/13 10:34 PM