Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/948966
march 2018 / the tasting panel / 63 94 Morgan Winery 2015 G17 Syrah, Santa Lucia Highlands ($22) Glossy and lush with deep blackberry fruit; bright, juicy, and spicy; crisp and stylish. 87% Syrah, 9% Grenache, and 4% Tempranillo. 93 Pellet Estate 2015 Henry's Reserve Red Blend, St. Helena ($125) Lush and ripe with spice and berry fruit; toasty and elegant with depth and complexity; a beautiful blend made from a rare selection of estate fruit. 93 Sergio 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Arcano Vineyard, Napa Valley ($125) Dark ruby hue with an expressive, dense nose; spicy and succulent with ripe plum; concentrated and intense with a long finish. 91 Sanctuary 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford AVA ($50) Vibrant and luscious with a creamy texture; tangy plum with hints of vanilla and toasty oak; a premium and well-balanced wine from the Fetzer people. 95 Shafer Vineyards 2013 Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley ($285) Fragrant with plum and rich flavors of toasty oak; lush texture and complexity; elegant and concentrated, long and balanced; a Napa Valley superstar aged 32 months in 100% new 60-gallon French oak barrels. 93 Siduri 2015 Rosella's Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands ($55) Medium crimson color from a label named for the Babylonian goddess of wine; velvety with ripe cherry and floral notes; herbal and generous with a crisp, tangy finish. 91 Valerie's Vineyard 2016 One- Acre Pinot Noir, Carneros ($40) Silky with bright raspberry fruit; juicy and fresh with tangy notes; crisp and exuberant; lively and long from a terroir- driven one-acre vineyard. IMPORTS 93 Maximin Grünhäuser 2016 Riesling Spätlese, Abtsberg Vineyard, Mosel ($46) Apricot nose; lush and sweet with tangy acidity and notes of honey and stone fruit; racy, exuberant, and fresh from one of my favorite Mosel producers. LOOSEN BROS. USA 91 Craggy Range 2017 Te Muna Road Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Martinborough, New Zealand ($22) Grassy nose; smooth and sumptuous with bright acidity and depth; balanced and deep from an American-owned winery that's one of New Zealand's best. KOBRAND CORP. 92 Teperberg 2013 Legacy Petite Sirah, Samson, Israel ($70) Balanced, spicy, and earthy; juicy and impressive. Aged in new French oak wooden barrels for 18 months, then in bottle for an additional ten. Kosher. ROYAL WINE CORP. 92 Vitkin Winery 2016 Red Israeli Journey, Sharon, Israel ($24) Smooth, bright, and lively; juicy with spice and ripe blackberry; a Rhône blend that is balanced and charming. Kosher. ROYAL WINE CORP. VALUE 88 Cycles Gladiator 2016 Chardonnay, Central Coast ($12) Bright yellow color; silky with clean, crisp fruit; juicy, fresh, and long; a remarkable value from winemaker Adam LaZarre, a three-time winner of the Los Angeles International Wine Competition. WINE HOOLIGANS 88 Villa Wolf 2016 Pinot Noir Rosé, Pfalz, Germany ($12) Light pink color with a raspberry nose; tangy and luscious with dry, lively style; made by the master, Ernst Loosen. LOOSEN BROS. USA 88 San Lorenzo Vini 2016 Casabianca Trebbiano, Trebbiano d'Abruzzo DOC, Italy ($13) Dry, minerally, and well-balanced with graceful, refreshing style; long and juicy. 90% Trebbiano d'Abruzzo and 10% Malvasia. R.S. LIPMAN COMPANY