The Tasting Panel magazine

Publisher's 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. WINES Concannon 2008 Petite Sirah, Nina's Cuvée, Livermore Valley ($30) What to expect from vines grown in 600-foot-deep gravelly soils? How about searing meat, darkly pungent berries, sweet tobacco and an exotic wisp of violet that reappears in a ghostly wisp with each sip. 93 THE WINE GROUP Meridith is flanked by San Diego's US Grant Hotel hospitality team: Director of Operations Tom Scaramellino and Director of Outlets, Certified Somm Jeff Josenhans. VGS Chateau Potelle Winery 2010 VGS Explorer Epice, Napa Valley ($26) A blend of 61% Chardonnay, 28% Gewürz and 11% Viognier proffer what you expect: apricots, white flowers and lychee. These three dimensions and more are explorable in this ultra-succulent white, delicate in body with mineral appeal. 91 Clos du Val 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($35) Leather, brandied cherries and blackberries beef up this well-versed Napa Cab. An out-of-the-gate creamy texture soon makes the switch to smacking dry tannins with an earthy underbelly. But it's the striking acidity that begs the question: "May I have another bite of steak?" 90 GOELET WINE ESTATES Worthy of a smooch. French-style double bizou. Wildly infatuated. Seriously smitten. Head over heels in love. HammerSky Vineyards 2008 Party of Four, Paso Robles ($44) Merlot dominates the blend of four Bordeaux varieties (no Cab Sauvignon!). Cinnamon stripes a milk chocolate band and cassis adorns the palate. Big, rich and coffee- coated goodness from one of Paso's fine estate wineries. 93 52 / the tasting panel / january/february 2012 Baywood Cellars 2008 Syrah, Paso Robles ($50) An immediate nod to an acidity that holds up a spicy, bright and rich patina. A sinewy Syrah, dotted with leather, smoked meat and a long, lingering peppery elegance. 92 Freestone 2009 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast ($55) Lemon custard aromas ooze, followed by appetizing wafts of meringue. Zingy juiced lime hits the palate with a start, cushioned by a buoyant, rounded texture. Sweet basil and chamomile form a zen finish. Ommmmm. 92 JOSEPH PHELPS WINERY Bodegues Sumarroca 2010 Temps de Flors, Penedés, Spain ($14) Waxing "flor-etic" and ripe with all the riches of summer peaches and apricots, this still white exudes a stash of bee's honey amid a bouquet of roses, jasmine and other exotic blooms. 90 SPANISH WINE COLLECTION Shafer Vineyards 2008 Relentless Napa Valley ($60) The field blend of 75% Syrah, 25% Petite Sirah is from a sustainably farmed hillside ranch south of the winery's Stags Leap District headquarters. On-going layers of plums, meaty- skinned blackberry and a persevering earthy soil and fudge cake texture penetrates to an in-your- face tenacity. But thanks to a creamy determina- tion, the wine is subdued enough to enjoy through thick and thin. 94 PICKS PHOTO: LEIGH CASTELLI

• Cover