Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/118688
PACIFICA: WALLA WALLA, WASHINGTON The busy Phil Jones also serves as winemaker on the West Coast of the U.S. for the Pacific Northwest's only kosher-only label, Pacifica. Pacifica 2010 Meritage, Walla Walla ($35) Imagine a Meritage that boasts of cocoa, cinnamon, cherry and rhubarb with any barrel aging. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot that is round and lush. Jones does admit to using highquality oak in tanks. GOOSE BAY: NELSON, NEW ZEALAND "Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and oak do not go together," insists the animated Phil Jones, winemaker for New Zealand's Winemaker Goose Bay. Phil Jones. "Our winery is in Nelson, on the South Island, just over the hill from Marlborough, known for its year-round pleasant Mediterranean-type climate." The region is nicknamed Sunny Nelson. Goose Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Nelson, New Zealand ($28) "Instead of cut hay and gooseberry, this exhibits tropical and lychee character, " says winemaker Phil Jones. "We stir the lees every hour. It's quite creamy. " CAPÇANES: MONTSANT, SPAIN One of our yearly Editor's Choice wines is La Flor from winemaker Jürgen Wagner. Capçanes is the first winery in Spain to produce kosher wine in the 20th century. While around 40,000 Jews reside in Spain today, Jews once comprised a much larger percentage of the Spanish population, until they were persecuted or banished during the Inquisition in 1492. Celler de Capçanes dates back to the 19th century, and although nearly wiped out by phylloxera in 1933, it soon strengthened when five families joined forces as a co-operative to keep the business alive. In 1995, a Jewish family from Barcelona convinced the group to make a kosher wine. Capçanes La Flor 2011 "del flor de primavera," Montsant, Spain ($79) So fresh, so feminine, this 100% Garnacha belies its age: It comes off ancient 104-year-old vines. Concentrated blue and black fruit is delicate on the mouth. 140 / the tasting panel / april 2013 FLECHAS DE LOS ANDES: MENDOZA, ARGENTINA Flechas de los Andes is a partnership between French vintners Baron Edmond de Rothschild and Laurent Dassault. Built in 2003 and located in the foot of the Andes Mountains in Argentina, the winery has been operating since the April 2004 harvest. These excellent wines draw on the Bordeaux experience of the two partners at their respective châteaux. Flechas de los Andes 2011 Gran Malbec, Argentina ($25) A surprise package of spicy violets, melted chocolate, black fruit, olives and figs. HERZOG WINE CELLARS: CALIFORNIA Joe Hurliman, Director of Winemaking for Herzog Wine Cellars. Located at the southern tip of California's Central Coast, Herzog Winery is a statement of the family's commitment to making fine wine in California. Winemaker Joe Hurliman oversees the process, from his own craftsman point of view. Hurliman's signature statement for Herzog comes in the form of his single-vineyard series: liquid masterpieces that he creates each year based on California's most coveted terroir. This year's version was released in February. Herzog 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Skellenger Lane Vineyard, Oakville ($75) Hitting all the right notes while managing to take a firm hold of the tongue, this wildcat shows her gorgeous violet colors from the lavender, plum and blueberry essence of her very feminine side. (Yes- there is another side: brand new leather swathed in heather.)