Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/646914
88 / the tasting panel / march 2016 DOMESTIC 90 Zocker 2014 Grüner Veltliner, Paragon Vineyard, Edna Valley ($20) This domestically produced Austrian varietal from Edna Valley pioneers the Niven family is racy, minerally and bright with long, fresh style. NIVEN FAMILY WINE ESTATES 90 Kenwood Vineyards 2014 Six Ridges Chardonnay, Russian River Valley ($22) A new series from the Sonoma stalwart under its current ownership; smooth and lush but also crisp and lovely; long, balanced and modern. PERNOD RICARD USA 92 Michael Shaps Wineworks 2012 Raisin d'Etre, Monticello, Virginia ($25/375 ml.) Virginia wine is on the move, as this spicy late-harvest white proves; sweet with lush honey and creamy texture. 83% Petit Manseng, 17% Riesling. 91 Merry Edwards 2014 Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley ($32) Deep varietal fruit and creamy texture mark this subtley oaked Sauv Blanc from a master winemaker. 92 Schug Winery 2013 Schug Estate Chardonnay, Carneros ($45) This charming Chard is bright and juicy with crisp cool-climate acidity and vanilla oak; creamy, fresh and lively. 90 Graziano Family of Wines 2012 Monte Volpe Aglianico, Mendocino County ($28) Southern Italian variety Aglicanico is a rarity in the U.S.; this one is deep and earthy with juicy blackberry and cassis; rich, concentrated and dense. 91 Dunbar Vineyard 2012 Merlot, Sonoma Valley ($32) This Sonoma producer plays under the radar, but check out the nice spice and toasty, soft oak notes on this classy Merlot. 92 Pedroncelli Winery 2012 Wisdom Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley Estate, Sonoma County ($36) The rich and intense estate Cab from this fourth- generation producer is classic Dry Creek. 93 Trombetta Family Wines 2013 Pinot Noir, Gap's Crown Vineyard, Sonoma Coast ($65) Lush and polished with deep flavors of ripe cherry and raspberry with fine structure; long and quite lovely. In 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. Prices are for 750 ml. bottles unless otherwise noted. Anthony Dias BLUE REVIEWS BLUE REVIEWS