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BLUE REVIEWS Anthony Dias BLUE REVIEWS I n each issue, Editor-in-Chief Anthony Dias Blue selects a wide range of the best wines and spirits from among the more than 500 he samples over the course of a month. The reviews are subjective editorial evaluations, made without regard to advertising, and products are scored on a 100-point scale: 85-89: VERY GOOD 90-94: OUTSTANDING 95-100: CLASSIC Once products are selected for publication, producers and importers will be offered the option of having their review accompanied by an image (bottle photo or label art) for a nominal fee. There is no obligation to add an image, nor does the decision affect the review or score in any way. The "twisty" icon indicates wines sealed with a screwcap closure. For additional Blue Reviews, go to www.tastingpanelmag.com. DOMESTIC 89 91 90 91 92 93 48 / the tasting panel / january/february 2012 Duckhorn 2010 Decoy Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley ($18) Smooth and peachy with juicy citrus and melon fruit; clean, fresh and dense; ripe and long with good balance. Zina Hyde Cunningham 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley ($22) Juicy and bright with snappy citrus and lively acidity; fresh, lively and rounded; tangy and long with finesse and balance. Church 2008 Chardonnay, Malibu Estate, California ($27) Creamy, dense and opulent, with sweet, intense tropical fruit and luscious style; ripe and deep with mature flavors. Silver 2009 Chardonnay, White Hawk Vineyard, Santa Barbara County ($28) Smooth and toasty with bright, tangy acidity and ripe, clean fruit; vanilla, spice and fine balance; long and charming. Bouchaine Vineyards 2009 Estate Chardonnay, Carneros-Napa Valley ($30) Silky and bright with ripe citrus, white flowers, tangy acidity and minerals; long, elegant and juicy with a lingering finish. Beringer Vineyards 2008 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($115) Lush and dense with dark plum and rich notes of oak, vanilla, tar and chocolate; ripe, full- bodied yet supple and elegant; rich, long and stylish with great aging potential. TREASURY WINE ESTATES 90 91 91 93 Cline Cellars 2009 Syrah, Cool Climate, Sonoma Coast ($16) Ripe, clean and juicy with blueberry, black raspberry and tangy acidity; supple, edgy and nicely balanced; long and charming. Westerly Vineyards 2007 Merlot, Happy Canyon ($26) Silky smooth, dark and tangy with vanilla oak and ripe plum and cassis; dense, juicy and long with depth and great style. Quivira Vineyards 2009 Zinfandel, Quest, Dry Creek Valley ($38) Dark, dense and rich with spice, bramble and blackberry fruit; juicy and showing pepper and cinnamon; lush and balanced, charming and long. V2 WINE GROUP Groth 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville-Napa Valley ($55) Smooth and bright with fresh plum and black cherry; dense and harmonious with tangy acidity and good structure; supple, complex and charming. IMPORTS 90 Forefathers 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Wax Eye, Marlborough, New Zealand ($14) Juicy with bright citrus and lively acidity; tangy, smooth and complex with lots of charm and style. GOLDSCHMIDT VINEYARDS