Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/33511
92 Kutch Wines 2009 Pinot Noir, McDougall Ranch, Sonoma Coast ($48) Bright, forward and juicy with ripe cherry and lively structure; dense, fresh and showing some elegant earth nuances; tangy and complex with great charm and graceful style. Pinot Grigio, IMPORTS 89 Banfi 2010 San Angelo Toscana, Italy ($17) Smooth and juicy with ripe melon and soft peach; neatly structured with lovely texture and bright acidity; long and mellow. BANFI VINTNERS Villa Maria 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Cellar Selection, Marlborough, New Zealand ($20) Fresh and juicy with nerve and verve; tangy lime and peach with racy acidity and smooth texture; pure, long and bright with forward flavors and classic Marlborough fruit. STE. MICHELLE WINE ESTATES 91 Inniskillin Niagara 2007 Vidal Icewine, Niagara Peninsula, Canada ($60/375 ml.) Medium amber color; tangy, juicy and syrupy with creamy texture; sweet, intense and mouth filling with amazing richness and depth; an extraordinary expression of concentrated fruit. CONSTELLATION WINES U.S. 95 Casa Concha, Limarí Valley, Chile ($18) Tangy green apple and racy acidity; subtle oak and bright ripe fruit flavors; complex, elegant and quite lovely. BANFI VINTNERS 90 ml.) Bright orange amber color; silky and spiced with honey, orange marmalade and tangy acidity; creamy and thick with rich, burnished flavors of fruit, mushrooms and toasted orange peel; long and elegant. PALM BAY INTERNATIONAL 93 Cavit NV Vino Santo Arèle, Trentino, Italy ($90/500 Concha y Toro 2009 Chardonnay, Marqués de The “Other” New Zealand: Waiheke Island IF YOU THINK NEW ZEALAND ONLY PRODUCES Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, see page 28 for our introduction to New Zealand’s Waiheke Island, where Bordeaux blends, along with Syrahs and Malbecs, are the rule. After visiting Waiheke several years ago, I became convinced that this small spot is producing some of New Zealand’s—and the world’s—best reds. Here are my notes on a few recent releases. —A.D.B. balanced. 64% Merlot, 18% Malbec, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cab Franc. MARTIN SCOTT WINES LIMITED 90 88 98 plum, blueberry and notes of earth, spice and oak; supple and complex, long and seamless. 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Cab Franc, 33% Merlot, 12% Malbec. 90 93 Stonyridge 2008 LaRose ($173) Dense, ripe plum nose; silky and bright with smooth, black raspberry and juicy acidity; generous, balanced and layered with well-integrated oak; pure and elegant, long and stylish. 94 92 92 Stonyridge 2008 Pilgrim ($67) Dark and rich with a lovely blackberry nose; smooth and dense with tangy berry fruit and lush texture; supple and nicely structured with notes of spice and minerals. Stonyridge 2008 Malbec, Luna Negra ($67) Spiced plum nose; juicy and bright with racy acidity underpinning ripe plum and black raspberry fruit; edgy, clean and pure with balance and intensity; long and stylish. GOLDEN STATE WINE COMPANY Destiny Bay 2007 Mystae ($115) Rich plum and chocolate nose; velvety and dense with plum, blackberry, spice and sweet vanilla oak all in perfect balance; tangy acidity is nicely integrated and completes and ennobles the wine; complex, long and impressive. 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 11% Cab Franc, 6% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot. DESTINY BAY WINE IMPORTS Destiny Bay 2007 Magna Praemia ($275) Rich plum, cassis and spiced nose; velvety, luscious and ripe with concentration and incredible intense fruit with notes of spice, vanilla and chocolate all riding on a core of pure and well-integrated acidity that brings it all into balance; stunning and super long. 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 5% Cab Franc, 5% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot. Destiny Bay 2007 Destinae ($75) Silky and ripe with complex aromas; smooth and lush with Cable Bay Vineyards 2008 Syrah ($36) Rich blackberry nose; silky and tangy with excellent structure; juicy and bright with pure fruit and lively spice; long and nervy, lush and ripe. Cable Bay Vineyards 2005 Five Hills ($27) Smooth, dense and herbal with earth, spice and plum; ripe and brightly structured; long and june 201 1 / the tasting panel / 71