The SOMM Journal

October/November 2014

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44 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 HAVING DEMONSTRATED WORLD-class vintages for many years running, Texas is a fast-rising star in the world of wine. In partnership with Texas Wine Journal, this month we publish the results of a recent Red Blends tasting. Along with a sample of judges' comments, the final scores are reported below after determining the average rating pro - duced by a panel of regular and guest judges. The editors of the Texas Wine Journal understand that this may result in lower final scores than single-judge scoring systems, but they believe a carefully calibrated judging process like this produces a much broader consensus of a wine's character and appeal. —Anthony Head RED BLENDS (tasting occurred August 19, 2014) McPherson Cellars 2012 Les Copains, 2012, Texas ($14) 86 points 35% Cinsault, 32% Mourvèdre, 19% Syrah, 14% Carignan "Delicious juicy cherry-apple and cranberry flavors that are pleasantly aromatic. Would love this wine slightly chilled with antipasto." —Jim Cubberley, Spec's Wines & Liquors "Beautiful nose of tea, underbrush, and cedar. Extraordinary depth of fruit, earth, and wood transition to a mouth-filling spicy nut and orange peel finish. —Mattie Jackson, Voluptuous Vines McPherson Cellars 2012 La Herencia, Texas ($14) 86 points 78% Tempranillo, 12% Mourvèdre, 5% Grenache, 5% Syrah "Savory, rich and full-bodied. It is a big wine with gamey, peppery and roasted bacon grease tones." —Brian Phillips, Eddie V's Prime Seafood "A wine that balances a medium concentra - tion and weight with a bit more intensity of flavor and more broad range of scents and flavors." —Sam Hovland, East End Wines Lost Oak Winery 2010 Vintage Lane-Dawson Red, Texas ($25) 86 points 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot (from Paso Robles, CA) "Aromatically and structurally harmonious from the nose through the finish. Rich vanilla, pine, and classic dill bound from the glass with ripe mixed berry, fig, and sweet spice undertones. Fleshy, supple body with nice acid and a dusty tannic finish." —Mattie Jackson, Voluptuous Vines "Nice bright, rich color, moderate aromas of berry and light smoke make for a round nose. Soft, round fruits, with more light smoky tones on the palate, with hints of white pepper." —Rob Moshein, Austin Wine Guy { texas } 95-100 Extraordinary. Superior character and style. 90-94 Excellent. Noteworthy character and highly recommended. 85-89 Very good. Wine with special qualities and potentially great value depending on price. 80-84 Good. Solid wine with above average character. 75-79 Average. Straightforward with little distinction beyond being soundly made. Texas Wine Journal is a publica- tion created by the Texas Wine Consortium, a 501c(3) nonprofit organization. For more information about the Journal, the judges, the methodology behind the ratings and expanded tasting notes, visit www.texaswinejournal.org. Ratings from the Range A REGULAR ROUNDUP OF TEXAS WINES Judge Mattie Jackson, Certified Sommelier, Certified Specialist of Wine, President & Founder of Voluptuous Vines. Judge Miguel Lecuona, Wine Marketing Guide LLC. PHOTO: OSCAR A. MONTES IGA PHOTO: OSCAR A. MONTES IGA PHOTO: OSCAR A. MONTES IGA

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