Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/990824
june 2018 / the tasting panel / 57 WINES Saget La Perrière Guy Sadet 2015 Muscadet Muscadet- Sèvre-Et-Maine Les Clissages D'Or, Loire Valley, France ($16) This 100% Melon de Bourgogne is sur lie after fermentation, adding the texture one would expect. White petals greet the nose with bright lemon and a hint of saltiness. Crisp Asian pear and fennel root mark the palate with a generous mouthfeel–fresh and crisp. 90 ESPRIT DU VIN Youngberg Hill 2015 Natasha Pinot Noir, McMinnville AVA, Willamette Valley, Oregon ($50) This Pinot Noir from one block on Youngberg Hill's 50-acre, sustainably farmed estate with 20 acres planted to vines was named after their daughter, Natasha. This deep-hued, inky red exhibits black cherry on the nose and palate. The velvety texture offers a wide frame for flavors of plum and heather. Lengthy on the finish, this is a serious Pinot Noir with finely grained tannins and a unique character from this Oregon AVA. 93 Panther Creek 2016 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, Oregon ($20) With a touch of Muscat (3%) and a kiss of Chardonnay (1%), this floral and lithe beauty is further proof of how well this grape performs in the Willamette Valley. Scents of marzipan, verbena, and honeysuckle are refined as crisp acidity engages flavors of mango, apricot, pear, and vanilla. The creamy mouthfeel stays long on the finish. 93 BACCHUS WINEWORKS Castoro Cellars 2015 Whale Rock Vineyard Reserve Syrah, Paso Robles ($30) The influence of whale fossils in this vineyard, situated in the windy and cool Templeton Gap District, creates a surging minerality that weaves through this expressive red. While black pepper and plums permeate the nose and palate, unique tones of persimmon and cherry-over- cocoa also affect the flavor profile. This is a sturdy, delicious Syrah from a winery that understands the true nature of the grape and the region. 93 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. PICKS