Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/14611
Publisher’s Wine Perry Creek Vineyards 2007 Zinfandel, Altitude: 2401, Fair Play Farms Vineyard, El Dorado, Sierra Foothills ($28) Probably the best vineyards in the Fair Play area in the Sierra Foothills, an old-World style red, extremely ripe and lushly earth-toned. Raspberry jam centered with a perfect line of acidity up the middle. 93 points In each issue THE TASTING PANEL’s Publisher and Executive Editor, 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. Worthy of a smooch. French-style double bizou. Wildly infatuated. Seriously smitten. Head over heels in love. Trinchero 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Haystack Vineyard, Napa Valley ($50) From prestigious- Atlas Peak—Napa Valley’s highest elevation—this polished red, for as big as it is, is amazingly soft- textured and plush. Coffee and cocoa play into the hands of rich, concentrated dark fruit. 94 TRINCHERO FAMILY ESTATES Koehler Winery 2009 Riesling, Santa Ynez Valley ($14) Creamy and bright. Chamomile, melon and honey-dipped lemon bars, along with good acid and a delightful peach tart finish, make this a treat. 91 Sculpterra Winery 2007 Statuesque, Paso Robles ($34) Cab Sauv, Syrah and Petite Sirah combined into a teeth coating, purple-hued, inky pool of gobby blackberry cream—sans any flab! Slate and soil bring it together. Great with barbecue. 90 Vini 2008 Merlot, Thracian Valley, Bulgaria ($8) Gamey, ripe and layered, with tart, high acidity and a deep cherry spice. Excites the palate and surprises at this price point. 90 BULGARIAN MASTER VINTNERS Domaine des Ouled Thaleb Benslimane 2008 Cuvée Première du Président Cabernet Sauvignon, Zenata ($14) Tightly wound, for about 10 seconds, a generous wash of ripe blackberry cascades alongside more serious pencil shavings and creamy oak. The acidity stays put while the fruit and earth linger. Our first sip of Morocco and a surprising value. 89 EXOTIC IMPORTS LLC Lang and Reed 2008 Cabernet Franc, North Coast ($22) Juicy to the core, tempered by white pepper and anise. Cheerful and luscious; a wonderful barbecue wine. 89 PICKS Spirits Avión Silver Tequila ($50) Perfumed and floral from the start. Lime and papaya lilt on the tongue in a soft bubble of texture and smoothness. Oats and chamomile give notice mid- palate while brown sugar and chocolate powder melt on the finish. 95 august 2010 / the tasting panel / 61 PHOTO: MARIA SCHRIBER