The Tasting Panel magazine

December 2017

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68  /  the tasting panel  /  december 2017 WINES J. Lohr Estates 2016 Riverstone Chardonnay, Arroyo Seco, Monterey County ($14) The wine is named for the riverstones deposited over thousands of years by the Arroyo Seco watershed, limiting soil depth. Youthful and lovely, its aromas of peaches and peanut butter are inviting. Crisp, lively, and gener- ous on the palate with flavors of honeydew and honeysuckle. Peach blossom and ripe pear linger on the finish. Creaminess from sur lie aging. 93 Benovia Winery 2014 Sonoma Mountain Grenache, Sonoma County ($40) A spicy nose of plum and cracked pepper, with a touch of beetroot leading the way. On the palate, mountain bramble melds with a dizzying array of purple fruit, graphite, and gritty tannins. 91 Mason Cellars Pomelo 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, California ($12) Pineapple and lemon blossoms are sweet perfume from this crisp white, grown on rich, red volcanic soils of Lake County (60%). The coastal influence of Monterey (22%) keeps it fresh, and 18% from Lodi and Clarksburg adds minerality and ripeness to the fruit. The acidity is arm in arm with gooseberry and Granny Smith apple, just-sliced pineapple, and a hint of tarragon. A fine salinity reaches the tip of the tongue on the finish. Three percent Chenin Blanc is blended in. 91 TRINCHERO FAMILY ESTATES Mason Cellars Pomelo 2016 Chardonnay, California ($12) This 100% Chardonnay was sourced primarily from Lake County, with some fruit from Lodi/ Clarksburg. The pleasant, delicate scents of lemon and lime are heightened with white floral tones. The palate has a creamy base, with a shock of acidity that lifts the crispness level and opens up to Golden Delicious apple and Asian pear notes. The keen minerality follows through on the finish. 90 TRINCHERO FAMILY ESTATES In each issue, The Tasting Panel's Publisher and Editorial Director Meridith May selects her favorite wines and spirits of the month. Check here for the latest arrivals in our offices, the hottest new brands on the market, and an occasional revisited classic. Publisher's Worthy of a smooch. French-style double bizou. Wildly infatuated. Seriously smitten. Head over heels in love. PHOTO: DAVID GADD PICKS

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