Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/701904
july 2016 / the tasting panel / 67 95 Cliff Lede 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, Napa Valley ($165) Rich mocha and plum nose; lush, dense and velvety with complex flavors of blackberry, plum and toasty oak; rich and deep, classic and intense. IMPORTS 90 Château de la Greffière 2014 Mâcon La Roche-Vineuse Sous le Bois, France ($18) Smooth, lush and bright with fresh pear fruit, citrus and racy acidity; a pure and lovely un-oaked Chardonnay at a remarkable price. WEYGANDT-METZLER 90 Giesen Wine Estate 2014 The Brothers Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand ($20) Bright, earthy nose; juicy, lifted and minerally with notes of grass and spice; smooth and racy with balance and depth. PACIFIC HIGHWAY WINES & SPIRITS 91 Olivier Leflaive 2014 Bourgogne Blanc Les Sétilles, France ($20) Bourgogne (as Burgundy now refers to itself) is full of hidden gems like this one. Fresh, pure and tangy with a slight hint of oak; ripe, minerally and totally charming. FREDERICK WILDMAN AND SONS 91 Peregrine Wines 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, Central Otago, New Zealand ($26) Bright, juicy and showing fresh lime and tangy, racy fruit; lifted flavors and lovely acidity in the best Kiwi style. VINEYARD BRANDS 90 La Domitienne 2015 Sur Le Sud Rosé, Vin de Pays d'Oc, France ($18) Light pink hue; smooth and juicy with racy acidity and crisp berry fruit; balanced and pure. 50% Cinsault, 50% Grenache. GUARACHI WINE PARTNERS 90 Alcance 2014 Carmenère Gran Reserva, Maule Valley, Chile ($22) Dark, ripe and velvety with soft herbs, plum and smooth texture; long, toasty and charming. JACKSON FAMILY WINES 91 Domaine Pierre Gelin 2012 Fixin, France ($40) Another find from Bourgogne (formerly known as Burgundy). Lush, smooth and balanced with cherry and minerals; racy acidity, silky texture and good balance; long and stylish. DIAGEO CHATEAU & ESTATE WINES 91 Tenuta Caparzo 2011 Brunello di Montalcino, Italy ($45) Smooth and juicy with the ripe generosity that is typical of the 2011 vintage in Brunello; elegant and fresh, long and stylish. VINEYARD BRANDS VALUE AND BY-THE-GLASS RECOMMENDATIONS 88 Tom Gore Vineyards 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, California ($15) Fresh and racy with tangy acidity and lively citrus; long and crisp. CONSTELLATION WINE U.S. 88 Don Rodolfo 2015 Art of the Andes Torrontès, Mendoza, Argentina ($12) Fresh and spicy with silky texture and a bright, racy finish. A portion of proceeds supports aspiring Argentinean artists. CABERNET CORP. 88 Mirassou 2015 Moscato, California ($12) Spritzy and fresh with smooth texture; tangy, spicy and lively; sweet, juicy and nicely balanced; charming as an aperitif. E&J GALLO 88 Bodegas Añadas 2015 Care Solidarity Rosé, Cariñena, Spain ($11) A pale pink 100% Tempranillo rosé; crisp and tangy with dry, snappy raspberry fruit. A portion of sales benefits cancer research. CURIOUS CORK 89 Chronic Cellars 2015 Pink Pedals Grenache Rosé, Paso Robles ($15) A Grenache-driven rosé with a little Syrah for oomph; juicy and fresh with fresh, lively berry fruit; clean and long. 88 Gosford Cellars 2015 Reserve Shiraz, South Eastern Australia ($11) This clean and well-balanced Aussie offering is smooth and juicy with notes of spice and pepper. WINE TREES USA 88 Valiano 2012 Poggio Teo, Chianti Classico DOCG, Italy ($12) Bright acidity and juicy plum fruit; crisp and tangy with balance and good length. FOLEY FAMILY WINES 88 Oak Ridge Winery 2014 Lodi Estates Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi ($14) From the oldest operating winery in Lodi. Bright black-raspberry fruit and soft herbs; juicy, fresh and balanced. 88 Denario 2014 Malbec, Rio Negro, Patagonia ($15) From Patagonia pioneer Humberto Canale. Dark and dense with ripe blackberry and cherry fruit; jammy and intense. CANNON WINES LTD. 88 Care Rosé, Spain 100% and raspberry sales