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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. Dundee Hills ($28) Bright and juicy with vibrant, racy fruit; smooth, sweet oak and lively acidity; elegant, fresh, beautifully structured and showing great finesse. 91 Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley ($45) Smooth and bright with dense plum and berry fruit; tannic, but supple and balanced with good structure and texture and a lingering finish. 90 60 / the tasting panel / july 201 1 Merriam Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Franc, Jones Sonoma Coast ($20) Bright and elegant with ripe apple and tropical fruits; juicy and showing sweet vanilla oak; balanced, long and very stylish. DOMESTIC 90 Barbara County ($23) Silky and racy with lovely honeysuckle and tangy citrus; crisp acidity and subtle sweet vanilla oak; another exceptional wine from this over-achieving winery. 92 91 KC Jones 2010 Streamliner, Sonoma County ($25) An aromatic, modern multi- variety white blend with spice and silky texture; clean, fresh and elegant with lovely balance and style; mellow but showing firm acidity; a terrific food wine. JACKSON FAMILY WINES Stoller Vineyards 2008 Chardonnay, SV Estate, Ridge Vineyards 2008 Monte Bello Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains ($145) A Cabernet-driven icon from Ridge; ripe, dense plum and black raspberry fruit over bright acid structure; supple, elegant, nuanced, exquisite and age-worthy. 96 Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Cambium, Napa Valley ($140) Dense and dark with ripe plum, black cherry and racy acidity; beautifully balanced with lovely 94 French oak notes and great structure; long and complex with supple bearing and a long, elegant finish. KOBRAND CORP. Sequoia Grove WILSON DANIELS Rusack Vineyards 2009 Chardonnay, Santa Roth Estate 2009 Chardonnay, Alexander Valley ($40) Elegant and creamy with a good measure of bright acidity and lush aromatics; rich, thick and plush with lovely texture and depth; long, balanced and very stylish. 92 90 Alta Maria Winery and Vineyards 2009 Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley ($28) Smooth and juicy with bright cherry and raspberry fruit; ripe and tangy with lively acidity and excellent balance; quite charming. Skipstone 2009 Viognier, Makena’s Vineyard,