Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/113109
BLUE REVIEWS Airlie Winery 2009 M��ller-Thurgau, Willamette Valley ($12) Smooth and off-dry with spice and tangy fruit and bright acidity; lush and juicy. 88 Getting to Know Sardinian Wines Camelot NV Merlot, California ($7) Clean, smooth and smoky with ripe plum and soft spice; fresh and balanced, supple and stylish. 88 I recently sAt Down for A tAstIng wIth Alfonso Gagliano, U.S. Brand Ambassador for Sella & Mosca, one of the most celebrated wine producers in Sardinia. Sardinian wines are under the radar for most U.S. wine drinkers, but they shouldn���t be. Sardinia���s native grapes and soil make these wines unique. The island���s signature red grape, Cannonau, for example, once thought to be Grenache and only recently determined to be an indigenous variety, is second only to Tannat in its resveratrol content; according to research, people who drink it live longer. The Sella & Mosca estate in Alghero is also the world���s remaining preserve the rich white Torbato variety. The Marchese di Villamarina, a single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, is simply stellar. O���NEILL VINTNERS Kato 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand ($12 Smooth and bright with melon, gooseberry and citrus; clean, juicy and tangy with racy acidity and a long, smooth ���nish. 88 GWE AMERICAS Sella & Mosca 2011 La Cala Vermentino di Sardegna ($12) Aromatic and smooth with smooth texture and ���oral notes; long and balanced. 88 Sella & Mosca 2011 Torbato Terre Bianche, Alghero ($21) Rich and oily textured with aromatics and spice; balanced and idiosyncratic; long and lush. 88 Sella & Mosca 2007 Terrerare, Carignano di Sulcis ($15) Spice, dried cherries and earth tones with concentrated savory ���avors; dense, rustic and rich; distinctive and complex. 100% Carignano. 89 Sella & Mosca 2008 Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva ($16) Smooth and lush, clean and balanced with lovely red fruit and spice; long and balanced. 88 Sella & Mosca 2006 Tanca Farra, Alghero ($30) Firm, aromatic, structured and rich with minerals, spice, chocolate and lovely balance; long and complex. 50% Cannonau, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon. 90 Lagarde 2012 Torront��s, Altas Cumbres, Salta, Argentina ($12) Smooth and spicy with dry, juicy fruit and tangy acidity; fresh, balanced and totally charming. 88 DANGEROUS WINE GROUP Mercer 2011 Estate Riesling, Yakima Valley ($14) Silky and fresh with modest fruit and tangy; juicy, fairly dry and showing minerals and crisp style. 89 Vina Robles 2011 White4, Paso Robles ($16) Clean, fresh and juicy; dry, aromatic and lively with good balance and style. 53% Viognier, 18% Vermentino, 17% Verdelho and 12% Sauvignon Blanc. 88 Bodegas Cherubino Valsangiacomo 2011 Marqu��s de Caro Crianza, Valencia, Spain ($10) Smooth, bright and juicy with fresh raspberry fruit and tangy acidity; bright, supple and balanced. 88 WEIN-BAUER INC. Sella & Mosca 2006 Marchese di Villamarina, Alghero ($75) Deep, dark and intense with great depth and style; rich, dense and spicy; long and lovely. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. 93 PALM BAY INTERNATIONAL Shingleback 2011 Red Knot Cabernet Sauvignon, McLaren Vale, Australia ($14) Smooth, silky and herbal with tangy fruit and spice; juicy with good balance and lively acidity; long and fresh. 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Shiraz. 88 PRECEPT WINE 62 / the tasting panel / march 2013