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68 / the tasting panel / march 2018 Cuvaison 2015 Adda Chardonnay, Carneros, Napa Valley ($50) Cuvaison was an early pioneer of cool-climate, Carneros-based Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and has a farming history dating back almost 40 years. The winery has a block-by-block approach to its all-estate fruit on 44 blocks; with ten clones of Chardonnay on seven different rootstocks, Adda represents a barrel selection of the vineyard's oldest and lowest- yielding Wente clone vines. The wine displays edge and earth with richness on the palate and fine acidity intricately woven throughout. It's floral on the nose with flavors of orange peel, apricot, and butterscotch entwined. Aged 18 months in 50% new French oak. 100% ML. 95 High Dive 2014 Bordeaux Blend, Napa Valley ($95) Celebrated winemakers Peter Heitz (Turnbull Wine Cellars) and Scott Palazzo (Palazzo Wines) make this limited-pro- duction blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, and 14% Cabernet Franc. The fruit hails from vineyards in Oakville (volcanic red clay) and Carneros (shallow clay). Slate, graphite, and tobacco influence the juicy black plum and plum- skin tannins. The wonderful acidity opens the floor for food-pairing opportunities across the board. Pedigreed and elegant. 95 SHARE A SPLASH WINE CO. Publisher's PICKS Value Picks of the Month Fetzer 2016 Sundial Chardonnay, California ($10) As Fetzer celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, we pay tribute to this great-value white. Crisp and unoaked, this tropical-tasting Chardonnay employs cool-climate Riesling from Monterey County and aromatic Muscat to keep it fresh and fruity. Baked apple and citrus floral tones are pleasant throughout. 88 Tamarí 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina ($15) From the high-altitude Uco Valley, slowly-maturing Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are destined to evolve into a concentrated wine with dark fruit. The inky color and richness of blackberry and subtle oak, combined with a bright acidity, make for a smooth and structured red. 89 TERLATO WINE GROUP Montevina 2016 Glass Falls Pinot Grigio, California ($10) Grapes sourced throughout the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta and Santa Barbara County share a com- mon thread of cooling maritime breezes, resulting in this wine's ripeness, concentration of flavor, and fine acidity. Stainless steel fermentation at very low tempera- tures also encourages freshness, as does the prevention of ML. The nose inspires sublime thoughts of pine- apple, lychee flowers, and salty sea air; on the palate, honeysuckle romances juicy Anjou pears and is spiced with a dash of nutmeg. Exotic and charming . . . and a superb value. 91 TRINCHERO FAMILY ESTATES Kendall-Jackson 2015 Vintner's Reserve Syrah, Santa Barbara County ($17) 99% Syrah with 1% Grenache aged 12 months in 87% French and 13% American oak. On the heels of coffee- plum and chocolate aromas, earthy tones continue the journey with brighter notes of pomegranate and blackberry following. The finish mellows out with silky dark chocolate. 90