The Tasting Panel magazine

November 2013

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BLUE REVIEWS Anthony Dias BLUE REVIEWS DOMESTIC 92 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. McGah Family Cellars 2010 Scarlett Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford ($60) Smooth and ripe with plum, cassis and spice; juicy and classic with toasty oak and lovely balance; long and stylish; an exciting wine made by Mike Smith. 89 Tangent 2012 Pinot Gris, Paragon Vineyard, Edna Valley ($17) Silky and bright with minerals, juicy citrus and tangy acidity; smooth, subtle and nicely balanced; long and stylish. 92 Stonestreet 2011 Chardonnay, Upper Barn, Alexander Mountain Vineyard, Alexander Valley ($75) Smooth and creamy with bright apple and citrus fruit; rich and elegant, silky and fresh, crisp and long with complexity and style. JACKSON FAMILY WINES 91 Ridge Vineyards 2011 Petite Sirah, Lytton Estate, Dry Creek Valley ($30) Dark, juicy and lush with tangy blackberry and cassis; rich but balanced and complex; Paul Draper shows that it's possible to make a nuanced wine out of this "King Kong" of varieties. 90 92 93 93 Stony Hill Vineyard 2012 Gewürztraminer, Napa Valley ($24) Dry, spicy and aromatic with floral notes; minerals, smooth texture and a long finish. Eroica 2012 Gold Riesling, Columbia Valley ($28) Sweet and mouth-filling with a racy acidity that balances this botrytis-enhanced wine beautifully; juicy with lovely flavors and a long finish; a collaboration between Ste. Michelle and Ernst Loosen. STE. MICHELLE WINE ESTATES 90 Freemark Abbey 2012 Viognier, Napa Valley ($32) Smooth and creamy with lovely aromatics and a hint of sweetness; lush, deep and ripe; balanced, long and stylish. JACKSON FAMILY WINES Thornton Winery 2011 Limited Release Nebbiolo, Temecula Valley ($35) Smooth and ripe with rich blackberry and bright, tangy acidity; a surprisingly lovely effort with this notoriously difficult variety; deep, complex and nicely balanced. Pali Wine Co 2011 Pinot Noir, Cargasacchi Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills ($56) Bright, juicy and lovely with tangy red cherry and racy acidity; fresh, lively and deep with lift and vibrant flavors; long, balanced and charming. 94 KaDieM 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($125) Deep and rich with firm structure and lovely plum, spice and notes of chocolate; complex and supple with intensity and elegance; fresh and balanced with toasty oak, ripe fruit and excellent style; long and classic. 60  /  the tasting panel  /  november 2013 TP1113_034-65.indd 60 10/24/13 9:19 AM

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