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BLUE REVIEWS Anthony Dias BLUE REVIEWS 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: I 85-90: 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. Chardonnay, Mt. Veeder ($35) Smooth and creamy with ripe pear fruit and a core of racy, firm acidity; subtle oak, long rich flavors and lovely balance. DOMESTIC 91 Hess Collection 2008 McMinnville ($17) Lovely acidity and fresh aromatics; clean, smooth and brisk with creamy vanilla and floral notes; long and nervy. Organic. 90 Cadaretta 2009 SBS, Columbia Valley ($23) Smooth and silky with juicy fruit and clean, fresh spice and tangy acidity; citrus, bright peach and lovely balance. 78% Sauvignon Blanc, 22% Semillon. VINTAGE NEW WORLD 90 Barbara County ($43) Another estate owned by the Miller family, proprietors of Bien Nacido Vineyard; smooth and velvety with lovely ripe pear and citrus fruit with beautifully focused acidity and great balance. 92 91 50 / the tasting panel / september 2010 Stonestreet 2008 Chardonnay, Upper Barn, Alexander Valley ($65) Silky and smooth with mellow fruit, racy acidity and lovely depth of flavor; long, rich and full with creamy, bright flavors. JACKSON FAMILY WINES Solomon Hills 2008 Chardonnay, Santa Sauvignon, Columbia Valley ($35) Bright, juicy plum and raspberry with racy acidity and fresh, lively flavors; supple, balanced and ripe; lovely, long and very impressive. 93 Fiddlestix Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills ($44) Lush and smooth with bright cherry and velvety texture; ripe, rich and juicy with tangy acidity, long and balanced with finesse, style and classic structure. 94 PRECEPT BRANDS Pali Wine Co. 2008 Pinot Noir, Browne Family Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Coeur de Terre 2009 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, Valley ($25) Dark and silky with bright plum, blueberry and cassis with juicy acidity; stylish and long with lovely balance. 89 Monterey ($32) Racy blackberry and raspberry fruit with tangy acidity and bright flavors and a long, balanced finish; quite delicious. 92 Michaud Vineyard 2004 Syrah, Chalone, Seven Hills Winery 2007 Malbec, Walla Walla