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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. Chenin Blanc, Santa Barbara County ($18) Juicy and crisp with ripe peach and Fuji apple fruit; silky and juicy with brightness and nice balance; totally charming: a delightful expression of an often overlooked variety. DOMESTIC 90 91 Baily Vineyard & Winery 2010 Montage, Temecula Valley ($20) A fresh and juicy Sauv Blanc–Semillon blend with lovely peach and citrus in the nose; clean, bright and tangy with delicious lively flavors and smooth mouthfeel; long and pure with great nerve and style. Hills ($23) Bright and vibrant with juicy acidity and fresh fruit; subtle oak, racy and charming with balance and long, lively flavors. 90 Cuvée Sauvage, Carneros ($40) Creamy and lush but fresh and elegant with juicy fruit and a core of firm acidity; rich and ripe but dominated by focused and precise fruit. CONSTELLATION WINES U.S. 93 70 / the tasting panel / june 201 1 WILSON DANIELS LTD. Franciscan 2008 Chardonnay, Gainey Vineyard 2009 Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Lucas & Lewellen 2009 Estate Fresh, bright and zesty with minerals, spice, honeydew and tangy citrus; snappy, pure, elegant and aromatic. 91 Selection, Napa Valley ($75) Rich and showing deep spice, vanilla oak, bright fruit and white flowers; lush, elegant with a core of firm acidity; complex and lengthy. 94 Valley ($27) Smooth and lush with ripe plum, sweet oak, vibrant acidity and velvety fruit; balanced, long and complete with great charm and finesse. 91 Scrapper, El Dorado County ($30) Smooth and silky with plum, spice and hints of smoke and mocha; supple, dense and balanced with good length. 90 Smooth, elegant and lush with ripe cherry and firm, harmonious acidity; fresh, juicy and Burgundian with purity, balance and a lovely long finish. 93 92 SILVER OAK CELLARS White Rock Vineyards 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Laureate, Napa Valley ($85) Firm and complex with excellent structure and classic plum, spice and berry fruit; intense, rich, layered, stylish and impressive. Twomey Cellars 2009 Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley ($50) Vinum Cellars 2006 Cabernet Franc, The Charles Krug 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa FAYARD WINES Grgich Hills 2007 Chardonnay, Carneros Azur 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley ($26)