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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. 92 DOMESTIC 91 Dobbes Family Estate 2010 Grenache Blanc, Crater View Vineyard, Rogue Valley ($26) Smooth and racy with lovely peach and tangy citrus; rich, creamy and showing floral notes and juicy style; fresh and generous on the finish. 90 Clayhouse Wines 2010 Grenache Blanc, Red Cedar Vineyard, Paso Robles ($23) Bright, clean and juicy with apple and peach fruit and good, tangy acidity; fresh, smooth and balanced. MIDDLETON FAMILY WINES 90 Cadre 2008 Pinot Noir, The Architects, Central Coast ($50) Smooth, dense and juicy with bright cherry fruit and clean, lush flavors; fresh and showing nuances of earth, spice and brisk acidity; elegant, long and balanced. PARAGON VINEYARD CO. Joseph Phelps 2010 Estate Sauvignon Blanc, St. Helena– Napa Valley ($32) Silky and bright with citrus and peach fruit and lovely acidity; minerally, rich and seamless with great finesse and style; long, complex and superb. 91 38 / the tasting panel / march 2012 Frank Family Vineyards 2010 Chardonnay, Napa Valley ($33) Bright, ripe and juicy with creamy texture and a core of tangy acidity; vanilla, spice and good balance; long, lovely finish. Danny Fay, Mike Benziger and Ben Flajnik at THE TASTING PANEL offices. 91 Envolve 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma Valley ($20) Aromatic and juicy with racy acidity and lovely citrus and peach; fresh and delicious; long and tangy. A label (previously known as Evolve) produced by Mike Benziger, "Bachelor" Ben Flajnik and Danny Fay. 90 Milbrandt Vineyards 2009 Merlot, The Estates, Wahluke Slope ($25) Lush and ripe with plum, cherry and lots of sweet, toasted oak; smooth, dense and juicy with generous style and balance. 92 Boyanci 2008 Inspire Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($60) Smooth and luscious, dense and rich with plum, black cherry and spice; concentrated and ripe with good structure and length. PHOTO: MERIDITH MAY