Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/46939
RUNS BATTED IN: Wente Vineyards STRIKE ZONE: Antica The country's oldest continuously operated family- owned winery, founded in 1883, Wente has been on a winning streak since the 1960s, when it planted Chardonnay in the Arroyo Seco region of Monterey County. In fact, in 1936, while Lou Gehrig was win- ning the MLB MVP title, Wente Vineyards became the first California winery to produce a wine varietally labeled as Chardonnay. The Wente 2009 Riva Ranch Chardonnay, Arroyo Seco (SRP $20), from a vineyard planted to three Dijon clones and two Wente clones, is the winery's latest MVP. The Call: "Possesses a stimulating amount of fruit in the glass," says Chris Miller. Talia Tinari says, "With aromas of white oleander, a beautiful body and a lush mouthfeel, this Chardonnay has a white-peppered finish that lasts and lasts." Anthony Dias Blue notes that this Chardonnay is "fragrant and smooth with exotic tropical fruit." Anthony Dias Blue score: 89 Piero Antinori's home base in Napa Valley is Antica (ANTInori CAlifornia), an estate in the Atlas Peak District, in the eastern part of the Valley. With 600 years of winemaking heri- tage in Tuscany, the Antinori's family's choice to develop outstand- ing Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay fruit from a 550-acre property in one of the world's best growing areas is their newest game plan, resulting in the Antica 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (SRP $55), a New World slugger with Old World roots. The Call: "As rich as it is round, with hints of herbal mountain tones—but it's 100% Cab Sauvignon, seamless and elegant," advises Jonathan Mitchell. "Slightly flinty, this is a highly defined, elegant red," adds Dana Farner. Anthony Dias Blue score: 92 MAJOR LEAGUE DREAMS: Black Stallion The Napa Valley winery was built in 2007 in the Oak Knoll area—just south of the Stags Leap District. Realizing the long-time major league dream of operat- ing an estate in Napa, the Indelicato family purchased it in 2010. While the fruit from these young vines is still maturing in the minor leagues, the grapes for this vintage—including those for the Black Stallion 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (SRP $25)—were scouted from prestigious Napa Valley real estate in Rutherford, Stags Leap and Atlas Peak, to name a few. The Call: "An extraordinary value with its beautiful nose of ripe red berries that are lush and velvety on the palate with a black-peppered finish," says Talia Tinari. Anthony Dias Blue admires its rich and juicy texture: "The fruit is tangy and racy," he comments, and agrees on the great value. Anthony Dias Blue score: 90 november 201 1 / the tasting panel / 99