Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/611718
december 2015 / the tasting panel / 101 94 Sant Wines 2013 Pinot Noir, "Buena Aventura," Sta. Rita Hills ($50) Loaded with red cherry and sweet raspberry; excellent acid structure and depth with a long, savory finish; sourced from the noted La Encantada and Rita's Crown vineyards. 92 Madrone Vineyards Estate 2012 Petite Sirah, Sonoma Valley ($60) The upscale label from the owners of the Valley of the Moon and Lake Sonoma labels. Silky, smooth and rich with blackberry, earth and spice; balanced and deep. BACAS FAMILY ESTATES 93 Cenyth 2010 Sonoma County ($60) This wine represents the coming together of the second generation of two great wine families: Jess Jackson's daughter Julia and winemaking superstar Pierre Seillan's daughter Hélène; an elegant and lovely wine, spicy and silky with depth and finesse; 54% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Franc, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon. 93 Maggy Hawk 2012 Stormin'Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley ($66) The Jackson family winery releases multiple Pinots from the same Mendocino County vineayrd. Bright cherry and savory notes; earthy, deep and elegant; the best Maggy of this vintage. JACKSON FAMILY WINES 96 The Farm Winery 2012 Cardinal Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles ($90) Made by Santiago Achával of Argentina's Achával-Ferrer. Lush flavors of sweet plum, cherry and vanilla oak; elegant, refined and delicious with a long, lovely finish. 92 JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery 2012 Isosceles, Paso Robles ($72) A Paso Robles flagship, velvety texture and lots of ripe berries and chocolate; dense, deep and long. 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc. 93 Pahlmeyer 2012 Merlot, Napa Valley ($85) Velvety texture and ripe with sweet vanilla oak and warm spice; juicy, rich and nicely structured; complex and long. 94 Aventura," Sta. Rita Hills ($50) and sweet raspberry; excellent acid structure and depth with a long, savory finish;