Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/31323
SPEED TASTING REPORT Mystery Sip #5: Elegant Enigma Juicy Fruit gum; dry; chalky-finished and so balanced. One of my favorites. —Michael Shearin Harmonious notes of peach/ apricot with great acidity and an elegant finish. —Jonathan Mitchell A stand-out with a distinctive floral nose. —Jared Hooper THE REVEAL: Beneventano 2009 Falanghina IGT “Vesevo,” Campania, Italy (SRP $11). Vines struggle on volcanic and clay soil in this Southern Italian wine region. A lot of time is spent stirring the lees, result- ing in a creamy mouthfeel. Vin Divino Mystery Sip #6: Mineral Mystery Big, intense tropical nose, but on the palate it changes its game to fruit and roses; rich and textured. A Marsanne? —Caroline Styne Full-bodied with slate notes. A Rhône varietal is my guess. —Jeremy Light Thick-skinned and sherry- like with a mineral backbone. —Meridith May THE REVEAL: Treana 2008 Marsanne/Viogner, Central Coast (SRP $22) sources Viogner fruit from the Mer Soleil Vineyard in Monterey, and Marsanne from Spur Ranch in San Benito. In its 15th year of production, this white blend is an age-worthy gem (the ‘98s are still drinking won- derfully) and highly compatible with a variety of food that many whites can’t touch. Hope Family Wines Mystery Sip #7: Crisp Challenge Green apple, wet cement and a nice, crisp acidity. —Jeremy Light Creamy mouthfeel (lees contact?) straightens out to a crispness with lime and apple cider tones. Very interesting! —Jared Hooper Minerality is right up front alongside some pretty, fresh white peach notes. —Meridith May THE REVEAL: Darcie Kent 2009 Rava Black Jack Grüner Veltliner, Monterey (SRP $18). The single-vineyard white is only in its second vintage, grown on a hillside vineyard influenced by coastal breezes and morning fog. This is one of three known domestic Grüners and only 2,500 cases are produced. The Wine Group Mystery Sip #8: Down Under Guesswork? White flowers and grassy nose. A touch of ginger/ jasmine exotica. A Chenin Blanc? —Jeremy Light Ripe, round New World Sauv Blanc. Has a soft, elegant approach. —Jonathan Mitchell NZ Sauv Blanc? Interesting in its subtlety. —Jared Hooper THE REVEAL: Mohua 2010 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand (SRP $15). Cool fermentation in stainless steel. Paul Hodges is the winemaker and the label is through Peregrine Wines. Vineyard Brands 70 / the tasting panel / may 201 1