Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/912565
64 / the tasting panel / december 2017 WINES 92 Château Léoville Poyferré 2014 Pavillon de Poyferre, Saint-Julien ($50) Silky and fresh with a graceful texture and bright style; tangy with soft tannins and bright acidity; fresh and long. Kosher. ROYAL WINE CORP. 92 The Farm Winery 2014 Primal Scream, Adelaida District, Paso Robles ($60) Deep ruby color ; smooth, dense, and rich with sumptuous flavors of blackberry and cassis; rich and showing notes of spice and licorice. 89 Carnivor 2015 Zinfandel, California ($15) Vibrant crimson color with hints of earth and spice; jammy, fluid, and deep with lush texture and style; very intense and ultra-ripe. E. & J. GALLO 92 Marqués de Cáceres 2012 Rioja Reserva, Rioja, Spain ($31) A rich and complex Tempranillo-based wine with depth and fresh, juicy blackberry; nuances of oak, toast, and vanilla. VINEYARD BRANDS 91 Penner-Ash Wine Cellars 2015 Syrah, Oregon, USA ($40) Smooth with blackberry and zest; lush and dense with grace and style; this boutique producer is led by husband- and-wife team Lynn and Ron Penner-Ash. JACKSON FAMILY WINES 91 Castoro Cellars 2015 Whale Rock Vineyard Reserve Syrah, Paso Robles ($30) Mellow and velvety with fresh, ripe blackberry fruit; clean and balanced; long and lavish. 92 Marichal 2013 Grand Reserve A Tannat, Canelones ($65) Dark ruby color ; juicy and lush with tangy acidity and smooth texture; elegant and bright with racy notes and good balance; an underappreciated variety from Uruguay. GLOBAL VINEYARD IMPORTERS 93 Zina Hyde Cunningham Winery 2014 Julia's Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley ($68) A polished nose of cherry and earth from a boutique winery with a 150-year history of artisanal winemaking; tangy with deep flavors of earth and spice; complex, balanced, and long. 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.bluelifestyle.com. Prices are for 750 ml. bottles unless otherwise noted. Anthony Dias BLUE REVIEWS Presented by