Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/359372
108 / the tasting panel / august 2014 SPEED TASTING REPORT WINE THAT WORKS SWANSON VINEYARDS 2011 PINOT GRIGIO, NAPA VALLEY ($16) A bout 20 years ago, when Clark Swanson was first planting his 140 acre estate deep in the heart of Oakville, he decided to include that pesky grape, Pinot Grigio. Why? Because it works. When everyone else was worshiping King Chardonnay, Swanson believed in his Pinot Grigio and now, it's finally getting the respect it deserves. 52% grown in the sustainably-farmed Oakville Estate, 28% from Napa's Oak Knoll district and a sweet 11% from a small Santa Barbara vineyard, the wine uses no oak. Swanson prefers pairing this 13.3% alcohol white with oysters. The Sippers Say: Crisp acidity with citrus blossoms and lime zest. A nice light body that is screaming for seafood. —Peter Kasperski Bright with minerality, herbs and great acid. A long finish and light body; would be great with food. —Christopher Gross Golden Delicious apple, with soft florals, muskmelon and cucumber skin. Medium to medium-plus body. —Brent Karliceck A FAMILY STORY ARGIOLAS 2013 COSTAMOLINO VERMENTINO, SARDINIA, ITALY ($14) T he story starts in 1906 when Antonio Argiolas was born in Sardinia. Insistent about high quality and only growing native Sardinian grapes, Antonio passed his passion and vision on to his twin sons, Franco and Giuseppe, who then passed it on to their children. The vineyard is now run by them—Antonio's grandchildren. Grown on rolling, Mediterranean hills, hand har- vested and kept chilled during the harvest process, the grapes are lightly pressed and then briefly aged on their lees in 100% stainless steel. The Sippers Say: Aromas of tropical fruit such as banana, pineapple and mango. Bright and crisp; light- bodied with a soft finish of tropical fruit on the nose. Very refreshing and easy drinking. —Jared Sowinksi Tropical fruit–forward, yet balanced with acidity. Medium-bodied with a grassy-green hue. Oak and a long finish. Loved this wine! —Taylor Chandler Floral, honeydew, bright melon and orange blossom aromas. Confirmation of aromas on the palate. Floral, long, lingering finish with vibrant acidity. —Andrew Fritz Pat Jasmin is the Director of Sales, AZ, CO, NV for Crawford Malone. Jamie Beatty is the Area Manger, AZ, NV, NM at Winebow Imports.