Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/31323
PHOTO: JIMMY P PHOTO: JIMMY P PHOTO: JIMMY P Mystery Sip #1: Stunning Stumper I’m jumping between Sauv Blanc and steel-tanked Chardonnay. I’m going with New World; interesting texture. I’m a fan! —Jared Hooper Peach candy, minerals, an explosion of guava and a sweaty nuance. —Michael Shearin A Viognier, perhaps? White flowers on the alluring nose, stone fruit and a pretty mineral- ity. —Jeremy Light THE REVEAL: St. Supéry 2010 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc (SRP $18). Made with 100% estate-grown fruit from Dollarhide Ranch, with elevations ranging from 600 to 775 feet above sea level. The diverse terrain and unique microclimate are especially accom- modating to Bordeaux grape varieties. Mystery Sip #2: Beautiful Bewilderment Heady nose: floral and seem- ingly big-boned. But the palate tones down to butterscotch-lite, with pretty lemon drops and toasted peanuts. —Meridith May Ripe tropical and exotic earthiness. A flirty wine. —Jared Hooper THE REVEAL: St. Clement Vineyards 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley (SRP $14). The fruit comes from the winery’s own Bale Lane vineyard. Winemaker Danielle Cyrot harvests the grapes at a lower sugar content to retain acidity and freshness. The grapes were hand- picked and whole cluster–pressed to preserve the distinct fruit flavors and aromas. Treasury Wine Estates Mystery Sip #3: Sweet Uncertainty Sweet orange blossom on the nose, with some residual sugar. Is it a domestic Riesling? —Jeremy Light Intense nose of Earl Grey tea. Very pretty and slightly syrupy. —Caroline Styne White flowers and a touch of beeswax, with a nectar-like appeal. Late harvest something. —Meridith May THE REVEAL: Saddle Rock 2009 Orange Muscat, Santa Barbara County (SRP $16). From vineyards in Los Alamos and the Sta. Rita Hills, the grapes go through a slow, six- week fermentation in stainless steel, allowing esters to develop and, ultimately, the aromat- ics to come through. may 201 1 / the tasting panel / 69 The Panel, left to right: Michael Shearin (Court of Master Sommeliers, Advanced Level), Sommelier/Beverage Director, Drago Centro, Downtown Los Angeles; Jeremy Light, Beverage Director, Sunset Marquis Hotel, West Hollywood; Meridith May, Publisher/ Executive Editor, THE TASTING PANEL; Caroline Styne, co-owner and Wine Director, Tavern, Lucques and AOC, Los Angeles; Jonathan Mitchell, Assistant General Manager/Wine Director, The Palm Restaurant, West Hollywood; and Jared Hooper, Sommelier, The Royce at The Langham Hotel, Pasadena. Mystery Sip #4: Citrus & Peach Treat Floral, bright and fun, with some residual sugar. —Jared Hooper Citrus and stone fruit (peach); lively and creamy textured. —Jonathan Mitchell THE REVEAL: Ferrari-Carano 2010 Bella Luce, Sonoma County (SRP $18). Meaning “beautiful light,” this is the sister wine to Siena. Individual lots of white wine varieties including Chardonnay, Muscat Canelli, Semillon, Muscat Giallo, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Blanc are pressed into stainless steel tanks.