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BLUE reVieWS Anthony Dias BLUE REVIEWS 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: I 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. Coast ($55) Gorgeous bright fruit and tangy acidity; crisp and elegant, Burgundian and masterful with amazing depth and grace. 95 Coast ($45) Ripe, fresh and sweet cherry fruit with juicy acidity; bright and lively, long and balanced with good texture and style. 90 56 / the tasting panel / january–february 201 1 JOSEPH PHELPS WINERY Pfendler Vineyards 2008 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Freestone 2008 Chardonnay, Sonoma Blanc Reserve, To Kalon Vineyard, Napa Valley ($40) Creamy and rich with lots of racy citrus, white flowers and soft herbs; complex and luscious with tangy acidity and lovely balance. CONSTELLATION WINES U.S. 91 DOMESTIC 92 Robert Mondavi 2008 Fumé 94 Grgich Hills Estate 2009 Fumé Blanc, Napa Valley ($30) Smooth and bright with racy grapefruit and lemon; juicy, silky and crisp with rich texture and fine balance; long, pure and stylish. Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley ($25) Smooth and silky with ripe cherry and lovely notes of earth and spice; racy acidity, clean and balanced with a long, lush finish. JACKSON FAMILY VINEYARDS 90 Valley ($28) Smooth and ripe with juicy black raspberry and cassis; dense, rich and nicely structured; delicious flavors and a long finish. 91 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, White Grass, Sonoma County ($16) 90 Sanford Winery 2008 Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County ($22) Smooth and creamy with ripe fruit and sweet vanilla oak; bright and showing racy acidity and lovely balance; elegant and long. TERLATO WINE INTERNATIONAL 91 Aromatic and dense with stone fruits and citrus; minerals, spice and nice texture with a core of racy acidity; long, bright and balanced. Mara Wines Russian Hill 2007 Estate Syrah, Russian River Waterstone 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve, Napa Valley ($60) Smooth and juicy with ripe plum and black raspberry fruit; dense and generous, seamless with lovely balance and expansive length; bright and classic. Cambria Winery 2008 Pinot Noir, Julia’s