Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/31323
Mystery Sip #9: Fruity Perplexity Sweet candied apples with a mineral, dry back. Soft and pretty, tropical notes along with freshly-squeezed limes. —Caroline Styne Light, crisp melon notes against a clean, refreshing backdrop. —Jared Hooper A full, rounded mouthfeel, but more linear in style towards the finish: nutty with stone fruit character. —Michael Shearin THE REVEAL: 2007 Civello, California (SRP $16). A blend of Pinot Gris, Verdelho, Gewürztraminer and a hint of Chardonnay, this unique white surprised us all. Row 11 Wine Co. Mystery Sip #10: Sparkly Surprise Exotic teas— chamomile and jasmine—along with violets, make for a super-aro- matic beauty. —Meridith May Rose petals on the nose make me think of Moscato. Delicate and pretty: We could hang out all day with this! —Jared Hooper Prosecco?? Honeysuckle and mandarin notes are intriguing! —Jonathan Mitchell THE REVEAL: Cavit 2010 Moscato, Lombardy, Italy (SRP $10). The “wow” factor of its aromatics may have led most of the panel towards this vibrant Northern Italian friz- zante, and it did not disappoint. Palm Bay International Mystery Sip #11: California-Chard Challenge No doubt: a California Chardonnay. Big nose, toasty and a wonderful viscosity. —Jeremy Light Bursting with ripe apple and pear notes. Buttery, with a hint of extra brulée. —Jonathan Mitchell Pastry dough nose, with a match of toffee and vanilla on the palate, but the complexity starts in with some distinct hints of rosemary and white flowers. —Meridith May THE REVEAL: Director’s Cut 2009 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley (SRP $21). Francis Ford Coppola has expanded into Sonoma Valley by buying the old Chateau Souverain property and creating Director’s Cut. In filmmak- ing, the director’s cut means an edit or “cut” of a film that represents the director’s complete vision. This Chard, aged for eight months in French oak, is packaged in a bottle that’s non-traditional for this varietal in order to fit the filmmaker’s Zoetrope film-strip label. Mystery Sip #12: Secret Super-Seller Big-boy white with a wildflower nose and soil-rich minerality, melon and nutti- ness. —Meridith May Nectarine and tart berry nose, while the palate feel is viscous, loaded with Meyer lemon and a dash of pineapple. —Caroline Styne THE REVEAL: Cline Cellars 2010 North Coast Viognier (SRP $11). The grapes come from vineyards that have an age range of eight to 20 years old, the majority from Mendocino. According to Nielsen data, this 14% alcohol California Rhône white is the number-one selling Viognier in the country. may 201 1 / the tasting panel / 71