Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/142283
BLUE REVIEWS Anthony Dias BLUE REVIEWS DOMESTIC 90 I n each issue, Editor-in-Chief Anthony Dias Blue selects a wide range of the best wines and spirits from among the more than 500 he samples over the course of a month. The reviews are subjective editorial evaluations, made without regard to advertising, and products are scored on a 100-point scale: 85-89: VERY GOOD 90-94: OUTSTANDING 95-100: CLASSIC Once products are selected for publication, producers and importers will be offered the option of having their review accompanied by an image (bottle photo or label art) for a nominal fee. There is no obligation to add an image, nor does the decision affect the review or score in any way. The "twisty" icon indicates wines sealed with a screwcap closure. For additional Blue Reviews, go to www.tastingpanelmag.com. Prices are for 750 ml. bottles unless otherwise noted. Purlieu 2012 Le Pich Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley ($24) Juicy peach and citrus with tangy acidity, depth and creamy texture; complex and lush, long and intense. 98% Sauvignon Blanc, 2% Semillon. 89 Waitsburg Cellars 2012 The Aromatics Cheninières Old Vine Chenin Blanc, Columbia Valley ($17) Smooth and bright with fresh, tangy fruit and good acid structure; juicy, clean and nicely balanced. 91 J. Lohr 2011 Chardonnay, October Night, Arroyo Seco Monterey ($25) Ripe, rich flavors of citrus, butterscotch and toasty oak; elegant, lush and stylish with finesse and depth. 92 Talley Vineyards 2011 Estate Chardonnay, Arroyo Grande Valley ($27) Silky and fresh with lovely juicy acidity and ripe, tangy fruit; balanced, deep and nicely structured; long and bursting with vivid flavors. 91 Marimar Estate 2009 Unfiltered Chardonnay Dobles Lías, Don Miguel Vineyard, Russian River Valley ($45) Deeply colored; ripe and creamy with rich, toasted vanilla and lees complexity; balanced, stylish and vivid with depth and good length. 92 Saxon Brown Wines 2009 Syrah, Parmelee-Hill, Owl Box Block, Sonoma Coast ($38) Bright and aromatic with juicy, ripe plum, blackberry and blueberry; spicy, peppery and tangy; long and balanced, complex and lovely. 5% Viognier. 92 Hunnicutt 2011 Zinfandel, Luvisi Vineyard, Napa Valley ($42) Dark and rich with sweet, ripe berry fruit and tangy acidity; concentrated and luscious with intensity and power; almost port-like in its depth; long and creamy. 92 Buty Winery 2009 Rediviva of the Stones, Walla Walla Valley ($60) Smooth and dense, spicy, long and showing plum, blueberry, cassis and lively flavors; deep and showing chocolate and vanilla oak. 77% Syrah, 23% Caberwnet Sauvignon. 95 D. R. Stephens Estate 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walther River Block, Rutherford, Napa Valley ($135) Deep, dark and luscious with lovely vanilla oak and ripe plum and blackberry fruit; rich, deep and showing intensity, elegance and finesse; exceptional. 84 / the tasting panel / july 2013 TP0713_066-99.indd 84 6/24/13 5:49 PM