Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/977771
72 / the tasting panel / may 2018 BLUE REVIEWS 90 Tenute del Cabreo 2015 Il Borgo, Toscana IGT, Italy ($60) Refined and juicy with tangy berry fruit and spice; earthy and long from the Folonari family, who produce two Super Tuscan wines from two properties in Chianti Classico. KOBRAND WINE & SPIRITS 92 Agricola Punica 2016 Montessu, Isola dei Nuraghi IGT ($35) This property, owned by Sassicaia, is located in Sardinia. Mostly Carignan with bits of Syrah and Cabernet, the blend is lush and juicy with deep berry fruit, velvety texture, and a long, rich style. KOBRAND WINE & SPIRITS VALUE 90 Calista Wines 2016 The Coast Range Pinot Noir, Mendocino, Monterey, and Sonoma Counties ($20) Smooth, ripe, and lively; fresh, bright, and balanced; generous and tangy from three coastal California counties. 89 Chateau Souverain NV Cabernet Sauvignon, Chateau Blue, California ($13) Juicy plum notes with hints of spice; charming, clean, and balanced (with a great name to boot) from winemaker Ed Killian, who's been with the winery since 1992. 90 Kim Crawford 2017 Merlot Rosé, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand ($18) Bright pink color with a strawberry nose; dry and lush; soft, rich, and aromatic with a lasting finish. CONSTELLATION BRANDS 90 Feudo Maccari 2016 Nero d'Avola, Terre Siciliane IGP, Italy ($16) Refreshing, racy, and crisp; tangy and succulent with spice and blackberry from one of Sicily's most exciting producers. KOBRAND WINE & SPIRITS 88 Larkspur 2016 Pinot Noir, Dundee, Oregon ($17) Clean and simple, but a solid effort for a bargain Pinot; smooth and bright with hints of cherry and earth. 88 Martini & Rossi NV Extra Dry Prosecco, Prosecco DOC, Italy ($13) Fresh and juicy with lively acidity; crisp, bright, and smooth; clean, dry and tangy; a terrific value. 90 Or Haganuz Winery 2016 Amuka Series Single Vineyard Gewürztraminer, Galilee, Israel ($21) Silky, spicy, and graceful; long, rich, and mellow. Kosher from a boutique winery located at the foot of Mount Meron. ROYAL WINE CORP. 91 Massolino 2015 Moscato, Moscato d'Asti DOCG, Italy ($23) Sweet, smooth, and luscious with spritz and rich flavors of spice and fresh fruit; long, energetic, and balanced from a winemaking family spanning four generations. VINEYARD BRANDS 90 Simonsig 2015 Kaapse Vonkel Brut, Western Cape, South Africa ($25) A very impressive sparkler from South Africa that blends Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with a bit of Pinot Meunier ; clean, fresh, and round with elegance and finesse. QUINTESSENTIAL WINES 91 Tom Gore Vineyards 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, California ($13) Fresh, clean nose; smooth, juicy and crisp with depth and tangy fruit; bright and balanced; a wine of substance at a terrific price. CONSTELLATION BRANDS 88 Steele Wines 2017 Cabernet Franc Rosé, Lake County, California ($17) Pure pink color with a warm, spicy nose; tangy, racy, and dry with a hint of herbaceousness; a solid effort in harnessing a temperamental variety.