The Tasting Panel magazine

January 2016

Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/628173

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 102 of 148

102  /  the tasting panel  /  january-february 2016 PICKS In each issue THE TASTING PANEL's Publisher and Editorial Director, 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 WINES Franciscan Estate 2014 Chardonnay, Napa Valley ($18) Winemaker Janet Myers understands Napa Valley so well and this classic Chardonnay continues to evolve – the 2014 is more modern than its predeces- sors, in a clean, focused manner. The palate feel is graceful, harmonious while the wine's richness is an element of the overall harmony of fruit, acid and minerals—picture drinking a Chardonnay out of a mountain spring. 93 CONSTELLATION WINES U.S. Margerum 2014 "Sybarite" Sauvignon Blanc, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara ($21) Flashy acidity is a continuous force in this white from the warmest grow- ing area in the Santa Ynez Valley: Happy Canyon. From its lemon meringue tart to its creamy, tropical passion fruit profile, we love the balanced nature of this sensuous, lithe creature. The wine is stored in stainless steel tanks (91%) and neutral barrels (9%) for nine months, lees stirred all the while. Sybarite possesses a white floral elegance and an edgy attitude. 92 Bodega Garzón 2014 Garzón Albariño, Uruguay ($17) Produced by a boutique winery, this limited-production, estate-grown, stainless- steel white is the region's only Albariño. With vineyards located only 11 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, the drinker must brace him or herself as the salty sea scents and lemon-caramel nose lure you in like a Siren. Stones line up on the tongue with a seaweed influence that lingers. Crisp white peaches and bright tangerine- lime tangle with an edgy acidity. 89 BLENDS INC. Notorious Pink 2014 Rosé, Languedoc, France ($20) Made from 100% Grenache, cold-fermented and capped with a glass stopper, this pink is a show-stopper. Melons, raspberries and lavender set the stage while herbes de Provence season the ripe, sweet cherry, orange and honey notes. 90 BH GROUP TranZind 2013 Red Blend, Lodi ($15) Rich bramble bush aromatics and texture spouts out plums, figs and cinnamon brioche. This blend of 80% Zinfandel, 10% Petite Sirah, 5% Syrah and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon is ripe with a sincere tannic structure that includes a dollop of grilled meats, with a juicy mid-palate. This red has an Old World soul (acidity) with a spicy finish that will have you on your feet. 91 KLINKER BRICK WINERY

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of The Tasting Panel magazine - January 2016