Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/97133
Silverado Vineyards 2009 SOLO Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District Fruitiest Favorite Schloss Vollrads 2011 Riesling Kabinett, Rheingau, Germany ($25) While we admire the versatility of Sauvignon Blanc (from grassy to grapefruit citrus) and the many faces of Chardonnay (oak-butter bomb versus clean, crisp and bright), there���s something particularly powerful about the many ways in which Riesling can be expressed. Made by the traditional slow-fermentation method, this Riesling is fruit-forward with nice acidity and noticeable residual sugar, making this among the most classic expressions of Rheingau Riesling out there. Ideally balanced, perfectly pretty and fabulously food-friendly, this is a Riesling that will gain consumer trust. Smooth and juicy with mellow, fresh notes of pineapple, citrus and peach; ���oral, long and beautifully balanced. Smith-Madrone 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley Sonoma-Loeb 2010 Chardonnay, Envoy, Russian River Valley Speri 2007 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, Italy EMPSON USA Stag���s Leap Wine Cellars 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Cask 23, Napa Valley STE. MICHELLE WINE ESTATES Stoller Vineyards 2009 Cathy���s Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, Oregon Stolpman Vineyards 2010 Syrah, Santa Ynez Valley SCHMITT S��HNE Stolpman Vineyards 2010 Hilltops Syrah ���High Density,��� Santa Ynez Valley Summerland Winery 2010 Viognier, Paradise Road Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley Tablas Creek Vineyard 2009 Esprit de Beaucastel Rouge, Paso Robles VINEYARD BRANDS Talley Vineyards 2008 Pinot Noir, Rosemary���s Vineyard, Arroyo Grande Valley Torres 2009 Salmos, Priorat, Spain DREYFUS, ASHBY VML Winery 2010 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley Warre���s NV 20 Year Old Tawny Port, Porto, Portugal VINEYARD BRANDS Wesley Ashley Wines 2009 Intelligent Design Cuv��e, Santa Barbara County Yorkville Cellars 2009 Carmen��re, Yorkville Highlands SPIRITS Alchemia Czekoladawa Chocolate-Infused Vodka, Poland PANACHE BEVERAGES Balcones Brimstone Scrub Oak Smoked Corn Whiskey, USA BALCONES DISTILLING Belle Meade Sour Mash Straight Bourbon, USA GREEN BRIER DISTILLERY Breakout Premium Rye, USA CAPITAL BRANDS 142 / the tasting panel / december 2012