Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/413994
74 / the tasting panel / november 2014 BLUE REVIEWS BLUE REVIEWS Buona Giornata BRINGING ITALY TO PASO ROBLES GIORNATA IS AN UP-AND-COMING Paso Robles winery owned by Brian and Stephanie Terrizzi, a charming young couple with twin daughters. Of Sicilian heritage, Brian worked at Rosenblum Cellars and then at prestigious Tuscan producer Isole e Elena. Stephanie has a strong background in viticulture and enology, and also holds an Advanced Sommelier certificate from the WSET Court of Master Sommeliers. They met while studying at Fresno State University. Their dream (encouraged by Steve Clifton from Palmina) was to grow Italian varieties in California—and they are succeeding beautifully: These are some of the best Italian varietal wines and blends I've tasted from outside Italy. VALUE AND BY-THE-GLASS RECOMMENDATIONS 88 Bogle Vineyards 2013 Chardonnay, California ($10) Clean, mellow pear and stone fruit flavors; balanced and lush with a long, ripe style. 86 Le Val 2013 Chardonnay, Vin de France, France ($12) Clean and fresh with juicy fruit and ripe pear fruit; tangy acidity and balance; minerally and long. VINTAGE EPICURE LLC 88 Villa Wolf 2013 Pinot Gris, Pfalz, Germany ($12) Crisp and tangy with dry citrus fruit and racy acidity; bright, lively and great with food. LOOSEN BROS. USA 88 Bridlewood Estate 2012 Chardonnay, Monterey County ($15) Lush and creamy with dense flavors of spice and mellow oak; tangy and ripe with clean notes and a long finish. E&J G ALLO 88 Villa San-Juliette 2013 Sauvignon Blanc, Paso Robles ($14) Grapefruit tones contribute to tangy acidity; silky yet crisp with racy style and a long, lively finish. 88 Sincerely 2012 Shiraz, Western Cape, South Africa ($15) From Neil Ellis Wines; tangy, fresh and ripe flavors of black raspberry lead to a bright, balanced and long finish. VINEYARD BRANDS 88 Brazin Cellars 2012 (B) Old Vine Zinfandel, Lodi ($18) Ripe and sweet with plum and blackberry; smooth, lush and juicy with spice and a long finish. DFV WINES 90 Giornata Wines 2013 Vermentino, Paso Robles ($25) Silky and bright with crisp, lively acidity and racy freshness; balanced and bracing with depth and finesse. 92 Giornata Wines 2011 Gemellaia, Paso Robles ($45) Smoky and dense with spice, earth and plum; nice and ripe with round, complex flavors. 45% Sangiovese, 40% Merlot, 15% Petit Verdot. 90 Giornata Wines 2012 Sangiovese, Paso Robles ($30) Juicy and fresh with tangy plum and raspberry; fresh and showing some vanilla oak; long and balanced. 93 Giornata Wines 2012 Aglianico, French Camp Vineyard, Paso Robles ($30) Violets and blackberries; dark and dense with rich fruit and texture; lush and long. 92 Giornata Wines 2012 Aglianico, Luna Matta Vineyard, Paso Robles ($35) Spicy and juicy with notes of cardamom and plum; lush and long. 93 Giornata Wines 2011 Nebbiolo, Paso Robles ($45) Silky and elegant with an amazing purity and style; classic and complex with lovely acidity, structure and length.