Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/471637
82 / the tasting panel / march 2015 WINES Y. Rousseau 2013 Old Vines Colombard, Russian River Valley, Sonoma ($20) Dainty, delicate white flowers and chamomile tea on the nose with a lemongrass, star fruit and lime middle and a touch of salinity. Yannick Rousseau is from Gascony, home of Colombard, and salutes his homeland varietal with grace and charm. 92 Terlato Family Vineyards 2012 Pinot Grigio, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($24) Dry, mineral-rich and textural, the sun-ripened pear and golden honey/ white floral tones soften any austerity in this light golden wine. White flowers tease the nose and sea-shell tannins coat the tongue, while tart apples clean the palate. 94 TERLATO WINES Shafer 2012 Chardonnay, Red Shoulder Ranch, Carneros, Napa Valley ($50) Lemon saltiness and candied pineapple are the pleasure principals behind this wine. Spiced apple helps build an unctuous, big body with good acid for balance. Opulent and outgoing. 95 Doña Paula 2013 Los Cardos Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina ($11) This estate-grown Malbec has a meaty, rustic personality shaped by spiced black beans, pencil shavings, herbs and peppered blackberry. Velvety and juicy, it's a stellar food wine that lives up to its varietal potential. 92 TRINCHERO FAMILY ESTATES Pennywise 2013 Petite Sirah, California ($12) For such a youth- ful wine, this violet-driven savory red contains "passionate" notes from leather to cinnamon raspberry to sweet tobacco. Dusty, firm—yet rounded—tannins create an even tone on the palate. 90 THE OTHER GUYS Chloe 2013 Pinot Noir, Monterey County ($17) An ancient word meaning "blooming," Chloe show- cases a black bow tie around its white label—like a tuxedo collar. Its delicate raspberry and nutmeg pal- ate also displays that elegance, with a deluxe textural experience— almost a creamy plum-pudding effect. 90 PICKS In each issue THE TASTING PANEL's Publisher and Executive Editor, Meridith May, selects her favorite wines and spirits of the month. Check here for the latest arrivals in our offices, the hottest new brands on the market and an occasional revisited classic. Worthy of a smooch. French-style double bizou. Wildly infatuated. Seriously smitten. Head over heels in love. Publisher's Over-Delivery!! THIS MONTH, WINES AND SPIRITS THAT OFFER MORE THAN YOU MIGHT EXPECT FOR THE PRICE.