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BLUE REVIEWS Anthony Dias BLUE REVIEWS DOMESTIC 92 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 Prices are for 750 ml. bottles unless otherwise noted. 92 90 Grassi Wine Company 2012 Estate Ribolla Gialla, Napa Valley ($34) Aromatic and rich with silky texture, smooth and floral; long, clean and vivid. Ridge Vineyards 2010 Merlot, Monte Bello Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains ($45) Smooth and luscious with ripe plum and charming spice; mellow and rich with depth, style and finesse; long and vivid. 92 Buoncristiani 2009 O.P.C., Napa Valley ($48) Velvety and lush with complex flavors of blackberry, cassis and spice; juicy, layered and seamless with juicy style and lively flavors; long and beautifully balanced. 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah, 16% Merlot, 14% Malbec. 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. For additional Blue Reviews, go to www.tastingpanelmag.com. MacRostie 2010 Chardonnay, Wildcat Mountain Vineyard, Sonoma Coast ($35) Ripe and lush with creamy texture and bright acidity; complex and stylish with depth and finesse. GALLO 95-100: CLASSIC The "twisty" icon indicates wines sealed with a screwcap closure. 91 Frei Brothers Reserve 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($17) Vivid and brancing with pure lime and lemon notes and alive with nerve and vibrant style; quite stunning, especially at this price point. Sustainably grown. NATIVE WINES 94 HdV 2009 Chardonnay, Hyde Vineyard, Carneros, Napa Valley ($60) Deep gold color; elegant and creamy with a firm core of bright acidity; smooth, bright and fresh with finesse and lovely Burgundian style; long and sensual—a complete package. WILSON DANIELS 97 Hanzell Vineyards 2010 Pinot Noir, Sessions Vineyard, Sonoma Valley ($95) Deep, lush and elegant with spice, bing cherries and raspberry; smooth, rich and quite exquisite with dramatic style and hints of brown sugar and pure acidity; a great achievement. 95 Kendall-Jackson 2007 Stature, Napa Valley ($125) A stunning Right Bank–style blend with deep, rich plum, blackberry and cassis; sweet vanilla oak with notes of spice, licorice and chocolate; a beautifully crafted wine with depth, complexity and finesse. 78 / the tasting panel / august 2013 TP0813_066-103.indd 78 7/24/13 9:51 PM