Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/7240
54 / the tasting panel / march 2010 BLUE REVIEWS Anthony Dias BLUE REVIEWS I n 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: 85-90: 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. DOMESTIC 90 Krupp Brothers Estates 2007 Marsanne, Black Bart, Stagecoach Vineyard, Napa Valley ($35) Lush and creamy with minerals and smooth fruit; juicy with notes of vanilla oak; balanced, rich and fresh with length, depth and style. 89 Tangent 2008 Riesling, Paragon Vineyard, Edna Valley ($17) Bright, minerally and dry with juicy peach and apple fruit; clean, balanced and nervy. BAILEYANA 90 Patianna Organic Vineyards 2008 Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Mendocino ($18) Juicy biodynamic wine from the Fetzer family; fresh and smooth with clean, bright fruit and charming flavors. FETZER 90 Girard Winery 2008 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley ($24) Lush and creamy with toasty oak, ripe peach and citrus fruit; rich but not heavy; sensual and long with balance and style. WILSON DANIELS 90 Chalk Hill 2007 Pinot Gris, Russian River Valley ($40) Smooth, dense and aromatic with rich flavors and notes of spice; complex, long and balanced. 90 Robert Craig 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley ($70) Smooth, spiced and showing plum, blackberry and cassis; long, velvety and rich with lovely balance and style. 92 Columbia Crest 2006 Reserve Merlot, Columbia Valley ($22) Smooth and velvety with deep plum and black currant fruit riding on firm acid structure; a masterful wine that supports the idea that the best Merlots come from Washington State. STE MICHELLE WINE ESTATES 90 Dutton-Goldfield 2007 Syrah, Cherry Ridge Vineyard, Russian River Valley ($35) Rich and smooth with ripe blackberry and blueberry fruit; tangy acidity and fresh flavors; balanced and charming. 90 Saintsbury 2007 Syrah, Sawi Vineyard, Sonoma Valley ($40) Smooth, lush and meaty with ripe blackberry, plum and cherry; spicy, complex and balanced with great length and style. 94 Testarossa Vineyards 2008 Pinot Noir, Sleepy Hollow Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands ($59) Fragrant, smooth and complete with bright black cherry and lovely pure acidity; silky, classic and perfectly balanced; long, unctuous and stunning.