Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/221505
BLUE REVIEWS Anthony Dias BLUE REVIEWS F or this installment, I've selected some recent releases that are suitable for gift-giving this holiday season. In 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. WHITES REDS 92 91 Tablas Creek 2011 Espirit de Tablas Blanc, Paso Robles ($40) A lovely, complete Rhône-style white with depth, richness and minerality over a core of juicy green apple and citrus. VINEYARD BRANDS 92 Dierberg Vineyards 2011 Estate Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley ($32) Smooth and creamy with ripe, lovely fruit and subtle oak; lush, deep and balanced with a long, elegant finish. 90 Dunstan Wines 2011 Chardonnay, Durell Vineyard, Sonoma Coast ($45) Golden color; bright and tangy with juicy white flowers and citrus; balanced, fresh and showing fine structure and a long, racy style. 92 Maison Nicolas Perrin 2011 Viognier, Condrieu, France ($71) Smooth and harmonious with white flowers, vanilla and rich apricot; fresh and complex, seamless and long. 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. VINEYARD BRANDS 93 Maximin Grünhäuser 2012 Riesling Auslese Abtsberg, Mosel, Germany ($76) Rich and complex with racy acidity and pure sweetness; searing fruit flavors and pure sweet peach and tangy style; layered, intense and lovely. LOOSEN BROS. USA Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2010 Estate Merlot, Block 8, Columbia Valley ($58) Dense, meaty and rich with smooth texture and notes of oak and spice; rich, complex and balanced with bright plum fruit and spice. PRECEPT WINE 93 Fess Parker 2011 Pinot Noir, Ashley's Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills ($50) Ripe and rich with juicy black cherry fruit and a core of bright acidity; silky, crisp and quite stunning; elegant, fresh and Burgundian; gorgeous flavors and great length. 92 Talley Vineyards 2011 Pinot Noir, Rincon Vineyard, Arroyo Grande Valley ($60) Spicy nose; crisp and tangy with bright cherry fruit with racy acidity; smooth and lively, fresh and ripe; long and balanced with focus and style. 92 Three Rivers Winery 2009 Svelte, Columbia Valley ($50) Ripe and rich with spice, plum and cassis fruit; supple and lush with deep flavors; long and smooth with tangy fruit and good balance. FOLEY FAMILY WINES 92 Merry Edwards 2011 Pinot Noir, Olivet Lane Vineyard, Russian River Valley ($62) Smooth and juicy with tangy cherry and plum; racy acidity, good balance and style. 68 / the tasting panel / december 2013 TP1213_064-103.indd 68 11/23/13 8:34 PM