Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/326040
60 / the tasting panel / june 2014 DOMESTIC 90 Wente Vineyards 2012 Chardonnay, Riva Ranch, Arroyo Seco ($22) Smooth and ripe with juicy fruit, creamy texture and notes of vanilla; rich, balanced and crisp; long and fresh. WENTE FAMILY ESTATES 91 Chateau St. Jean 2012 Chardonnay, Belle Terre Vineyard, Alexander Valley ($25) Bright and juicy with racy acidity and crisp pear and citrus fruit; fresh and lively. TREASURY WINE ESTATES 90 Baileyana 2012 Chardonnay, Firepeak, Edna Valley ($28) Silky and fresh with juicy pear and citrus; clean, balanced and precise. NIVEN FAMILY WINE ESTATES 94 La Rochelle 2011 Chardonnay, Morelli Lane, Dutton Ranch, Russian River Valley ($65) Juicy and tangy with lovely vanilla and racy acidity; elegant, fresh and pure with vivid flavors and great finesse; long, racy and sublime. 90 Jessie's Grove Vineyards 2011 Westwind Zinfandel, Lodi ($32) Smooth and velvety with ripe blackberry and plum; dense and spicy, long and balanced. 93 McIntyre Vineyards 2012 Pinot Noir, Estate Block 3, Santa Lucia Highlands ($46) Dark and lush with lovely texture, ripe cherry and elegant structure; long and juicy with great acidity and vibrant style; smooth, seamless and showing considerable finesse. 90 Buty Winery 2012 Chardonnay, Conner Lee Vineyard, Columbia Valley ($40) Ripe and lush with juicy style and charming fresh fruit; smooth, pretty and balanced with lovely style; long and vibrant. 93 Fiddlehead Cellars 2011 Oldsvillle Reserve Pinot Noir, Oregon ($50) Juicy and floral with bright cherry fruit and tangy acidity; lively, long and precise; vibrant and crisp. 90 Gary Farrell 2011 Pinot Noir, Russian River Selection, Russian River Valley ($45) Smooth and fresh with bright cherry and tangy acidity; long and savory with balance, finesse and style. VINCRAFT GROUP 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 w ay. 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. Anthony Dias BLUE REVIEWS BLUE REVIEWS TP0614_034-71.indd 60 5/23/14 9:23 PM