Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/687399
june 2016 / the tasting panel / 87 IMPORTS 90 Pighin 2015 Sauvignon, Friuli Grave DOC, Italy ($18) Bright grapefruit nose; deep, crisp with showing minerals with notes of spice, peach, citrus and pepper; silky and fresh, balanced and long. KOBRAND 90 Calabria 2013 Three Bridges Chardonnay, Barossa Valley , Australia ($23) Silky and bright with crisp fruit and lively acidity; fresh and tangy with minerals, pear fruit and a long, snappy finish. VINEYARD BRANDS 92 Maison Nicolas Perrin 2014 Condrieu, France ($71) Silky, smooth and showing bright vanilla and aromatics; lush, creamy and elegant; a classic Viognier. VINEYARD BRANDS 90 Tascante 2013 Ghiaia Nera, Sicily DOC, Italy ($20) Bright and juicy with fresh berry fruit and racy; tangy and lively, floral and lovely. 100% Nerello Mascalese. DALLA TERRA 93 Belasco de Baquedano 2012 Swinto Old Vine Malbec, Alto Agrelo, Argentina ($40) Swinto means "crow" in the language of the Huarpe Indians, the first inhabitants of the Mendoza River Valley; dark, complex, balanced and toasty, with distinct minerals and spice. CABERNET CORPORATION 93 Andeluna Cellars 2010 Pasionado Cuatro Cepas Malbec, Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina ($62) Smooth, intense and rich with spice, tangy berry fruit and notes of mocha and chocolate; supple, layered and long. 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 35% Malbec, and 15% Cabernet Franc. SAN FRANCISCO WINE EXCHANGE 95 Maison Nicolas Perrin 2013 Côte-Rôtie, France ($77) Silky and bright with fresh black raspberry and spice; smooth and rich, balanced and elegant; the product of a joint effort from the Perrin family of Beaucastel and the Jaboulet family. 98% Syrah, 2% Viognier. VINEYARD BRANDS VALUE AND BY-THE-GLASS RECOMMENDATIONS 88 Hahn Estates 2015 Pinot Gris, Monterey County ($12) A lovely Central Coast Pinot Gris with clean, fresh, tropical fruit and juicy acidity; balanced and lively with good length. SMITH & HOOK 89 Marlborough Wines 2015 Fire Road Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand ($13) Smooth, fresh and juicy with notes of grass and spice; tangy, bright and racy; crisp citrus and lively fruit. L&R IMPORTS LLC 88 Francis Ford Coppola 2014 Reserve Chardonnay, Dutton Ranch, Russian River Valley ($13) Creamy texture and mellow with soft pear and juicy style; nice RRV Chard at a great price. 88 Bread & Butter 2014 Chardonnay, Napa County ($18) Ripe, juicy and toasty with vanilla and creamy texture; rich, smooth, balanced and dense; deep and long. 90 Clos de Nit 2014 Tinto, DO Montsant, Spain ($10) Smooth, toasty nose; spicy bright and juicy with rich plum and spice; lush texture and lovely balance. 40% Garnacha, 25% Carinena, 20% Merlot, 10% Temporanillo, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. WINESELLERS 88 Tercos 2015 Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina ($14) Dark, lush and spicy; rich and dense with clean, balanced flavors; ripe and smooth with intensity and depth. GLOBAL VINEYARD 88 Oak Ridge Winery 2014 Old Soul Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi ($14) Ripe and tangy with sweet plum and raisins; dense and rich, ripe and showing a touch of sweetness; juicy and snappy, long and balanced. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel. 88 Cycles Gladiator 2014 Merlot, Central Coast ($11) Lush and bright with black raspberry and toast; charming and floral with long, smooth flavors. 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Syrah. WINE HOOLIGANS 88 Banfi 2013 Chianti Classico DOCG, Italy ($15) Warm spicy nose; silky, smooth and bright with tangy, black raspberry and spice. BANFI VINTNERS 91 Pendulum 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley ($17) Elegant and stylish with bright, tangy plum and smoky herbs; supple and complex, long and balanced. PRECEPT WINE SPIRITS 92 BET Vodka, USA ($35) Smooth and creamy with rich texture and mellow, off-dry flavors; vanilla, lush and clean with elegant style and refined finish. Made from sugar beets in Wisconsin. BEET SPIRITS, INC.