Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/723381
68 / the tasting panel / september 2016 DOMESTIC 90 Ponzi Vineyards 2015 Estate Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley ($19) Juicy and a bit spritzy with smooth, clean and tangy apple flavors; lifted and fresh, bright and long. VINTUS 90 Groth 2015 Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley ($21) Clean, crisp and racy with bright acidity from cooler-climate fruit; additional warmer-climate fruit brings a suave mouthfeel. 18% Semillon. 91 Trione Vineyards and Winery 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, River Road Ranch, Russian River Valley ($23) From longtime growers in Sonoma County, a distinctive racy Sauv Blanc with tangy acidity, spice notes and lively style, long and balanced on the finish. 91 Amici Cellars 2014 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast ($25) Thoughtful sourcing delivers the goods in this exemplary Chardonnay with tangy acidity and lively style; elegant, fresh and long. 91 Jason-Stephens Winery 2013 Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Clara Valley ($28) The plum nose on this Silicon Valley Cabernet leads to silky texture and bright, balanced flavors; long and stylish. 11% Merlot, 5% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc. 90 Broadley Vineyards 2014 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley ($30) This blend of Pommard, 115, 667, 777 and Wädenswil clones delivers bright cherry fruit and racy acidity; light but bursting with crisp berry flavor. 93 Pamplin Family Winery 2013 J|R|G Red Wine, Klipsun/ Canoe Ridge Estate/ Seven Hills/Alder Ridge/ Elephant Mountain/ Tapteil Vineyards, Columbia Valley ($30) Made from declassified lots from six outstanding Columbia Valley vineyards; intense black fruit and lush texture; deep and balanced with ripe, big flavors; long and powerful. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 3% Malbec. 91 Balletto Vineyards 2014 Pinot Noir, Sexton Hill Vineyard, Russian River Valley ($42) A stylish estate-grown and -bottled Pinot with racy, pure berry fruit; dense and juicy; clean and balanced. 92 Blair Estate 2013 The Reserve Pinot Noir, Delfina's Vineyard, Arroyo Seco ($75) From the estate's signature vineyard, named for the family matriarch. Pale and sleek with vibrant acidity and earthy notes; savory and showing cherry and spice. 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