The Tasting Panel magazine

December 2013

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SPEED TASTING REPORT REVEAL NUMBER TWO ROBERT OATLEY "2012 "SIGNATURE SERIES" CHARDONNAY, MARGARET RIVER, AUSTRALIA ($17) L egendary Australian winemaker Robert Oatley was first heralded for founding Rosemount Estate, which for several decades was the most recognized and successful family-owned Australian winery.Now heading up his own wine eponymous company, Bob Oatley and his family craft modern, authentic Australian wines sourced from the best regions for each varietal. From Western Australia's Margaret River, his signature series Chardonnay, aged in French oak for six months (and no ML), gains power and structure within its creamy foundation—and only 12.5% alcohol. PACIFIC HIGHWAY WINES & SPIRITS Greg Hard of Pacific Highway Wines & Spirits. The Panel's Notes: "There's a lot here: from its high-toned floral notes to its primary flavors of honeydew and underripe pear. A clean finish and definite New World easy drinkability. Surprised this lean white sees oak—a solid value!" –Bill Elsey, The Red Room "Fresh, tropical fruit with a broad taffy influence. Clean and vibrant with herbal/lime complexity." —Devon Broglie, Whole Foods REVEAL NUMBER THREE TANGLEY OAKS 2011 PINOT NOIR, NORTH COAST ($18) W ith a namesake inspired by the beautiful oak trees surrounding the vineyard sites, Tangley Oaks is a reflection of the Terlato family's commitment to high-quality wines that deliver in enjoyment. Their winemaker searches California's most acclaimed regions, hand-selecting the highestquality grapes that capture the distinct personality of each varietal. In this Pinot Noir, Tangley Oaks offer consumers wines that are a significant step above those at a similar price. With a light hand, this dusty, billowy-textured red only sees 25% French oak and is made in small vats—inspired by Burgundy but produced at the Terlatos' family-owned Rutherford Hill Winery in Napa Valley. TERLATO FAMILY VINEYARDS Terlato Brand Director Christophe Grenaille. The Panel's Notes: "Very honest and well made and a beautiful ruby hue. Fresh raspberry and strawberry notes meld with vanilla marshmallow cream. Elegant from start to finish." —Devon Broglie, Whole Foods "I really thought this was Burgundian—impeccably balanced and delicate. This is an example of how good a California Pinot Noir can show when the emphasis is on varietal character." —Nathan T. Prater, The Red Room december 2013  /  the tasting panel  /  1 19 TP1213_104-148.indd 119 11/23/13 8:37 PM

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