Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/221505
SPEED TASTING REPORT REVEAL NUMBER FOUR CLINE 2011 "CASHMERE," CALIFORNIA ($14) L uxurious cashmere indeed comes to mind when sipping this chocolate cake–textured, deliciously juicy red, a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Petite Sirah. Grenache is sourced from the Massoni Vineyard and Big Break Vineyards in Oakley, while the Mourvèdre comes from Cline Cellars' "backyard" in Contra Costa County, where 80- to 120-year-old vines are dry-farmed struggle to produce some pretty rich fruit. Cline Cellars proudly supports Living Beyond Breast Cancer and over the years has contributed more than $270,000 to breast cancer foundations. Melanie Jarvis from Cline Cellars. The Panel's Notes: "Aromatic red fruit and roses are persistent and the strong Bing cherry notes work well into a vanilla oakiness—super ripe and pleasantly juicy. It gets richer and earthier towards the raspberrydusted finish." —Guy Stout "A good example of a California GSM— candied fruit, leather, licorice and a nice acidity. A richness with a notable toasty quality. A jammy crowd pleaser." —Mark Sayre, Four Seasons REVEAL NUMBER FIVE LOUIS LATOUR 2009 VOLNAY 1ER CRU "EN CHEVRET," CÔTE DE BEAUNE, FRANCE ($60) T he room of sommeliers cried out "Volnay!" This distinctive Pinot Noir is a great example of varietal typicity and telling the story of place. "This wine is also about great relationships with our growers—since we ourselves are also growers," points out Linda Hinton, Central Regional Manager for Louis Latour. "We own an acre and a half in among Volnay "Les Mitants" and Volnay Villages, but this fruit is sourced from the same grower from whom we source Montrachet." Volnay "En Chevret" is a rare premier cru that Latour has only been sourcing for the past ten years from the same grower, situated near Pommard on the north, and the village of Meursault to the south. LOUIS LATOUR INC.. The Panel's Notes: "A caress of fruit mid-palate: clean, red cherries and cola with cinnamon sweetness. White pepper on the finish is pleasing. The color is pale—but that is deceptive; it's a wine of strength." Linda Hinton of Louis Latour. —June Rodil "Such an approachable Burgundy—especially for New World Pinot drinkers. It has a bright, delicate nose with red florals and green herbs, loaded with cherries, pomegranate and plum. Above all, superb balance." —Bill Elsey 120 / the tasting panel / december 2013 TP1213_104-148.indd 120 11/23/13 8:37 PM