The Tasting Panel magazine

April 2011

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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 85-89: 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. Paso Robles ($20) Smooth and spicy with creamy texture and aromatic peach and honeysuckle; tropical and lush with a long finish and nice balance. River Valley ($24) Bright, ripe and fresh with silky texture and lovely sweet new oak; juicy, alive and precise with pure, elegant flavors; long and classic. 92 Estates 2009 Viognier, Catie’s Corner Vineyard, Russian River Valley ($28) 90 Creamy and smooth with rich tropical fruit flavors and lush aromatics; ripe, dense and elegant with balance and a lingering finish. Sonoma Coast ($36) Minerals, juicy fruit and clean, smooth flavors on silky texture; rich and balanced with lovely acidity and ripe fruit. 91 Testarossa Vineyards 2009 Chardonnay, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley ($39) Firm and juicy with lively acidity, white flowers and lovely balance; elegant and fresh with a lingering finish. 91 56 / the tasting panel / april 201 1 BROWN-FORMAN Sonoma-Cutrer 2006 Chardonnay, Les Pierres, Thomas George DOMESTIC 89 Robert Hall 2009 Viognier, C. Donatiello 2009 Chardonnay, Russian ($29) Smooth and juicy with silky texture and ripe plum and blackberry; mellow and balanced with excellent structure and a long, lush finish. FOLEY FAMILY WINES 91 92 91 Adelaida Cellars 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve, Rootstock 110R, Clone 8, Viking Estate, Paso Robles ($75) Dense and rich with ripe plum, cassis, juicy berry fruit and spice; smooth, concentrated but balanced and charming; fresh and supple with a long, friendly finish. Newton Vineyard 2007 The Puzzle, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley ($80) A smooth and silky Bordeaux- style blend (56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc) with restraint and soft tannins; plum and cassis fruit and good acid structure; long and balanced, with great aging potential. MOËT-HENNESSY USA Three Rivers Winery 2007 Malbec, Columbia Valley Beckmen Vineyards 2008 Syrah, Clone #1, Purisma Mountain Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley ($52) Another winner from this benchmark Santa Barbara winery; powerful, rich and intense with black plum and blackberry; ripe, deep, complex and impressive. 92

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