Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/359372
1 12 / the tasting panel / august 2014 SPEED TASTING REPORT A NEW RELEASE FOR A CLASSIC PICKET FENCE 2012 SAUVIGNON BLANC, ALEXANDER VALLEY ($13) I nspired by the unparalleled beauty of Sonoma's Russian River and Alexander Valleys, Picket Fence Vineyards benefits from the appella- tions' summer evening fog and sunshine-filled days, meaning that the grapes ripen slowly and evenly. Those conditions and Alison Crowe as their winemaker mean that Picket Fence is able to produce some aston- ishing wines. Grown on a vineyard named Sallyvine, very near the banks of the Russian River, this Sauvignon Blanc enjoyed wonderful drainage and deep rooting thanks to the soil formed from river stones. Cold-fermented in stainless steel for six months, this is the first vintage of Sauvignon Blanc for Picket Fence. The Sippers Say: Delicate aromas give way to a lightweight, straightfor- ward citrus palate with nice crispness. —Andrew Fritz Peach with a little kiwi, and some nutty spiciness. Grassy with a hint of pear, peaches and grapefruit. —Taylor Chandler Very soft nose with subtle lemon notes. Flavors of soft green fruit and must. Light with toasty oak and lingering finish. —Jared Sowinksi THE SPIRIT OF THE ANDES FILUS 2011 TORRONTÉS, SALTA, ARGENTINA ($12) A family-owned vineyard, Filus is devoted to "rep- resenting the distinctive and genuine spirit of the Andes," according to Derek Winter, CSW, Southwest Regional Manager for Bronco Wine Company. With 373 acres spread out amongst six vineyards in Mendoza, Filus sells most of their grapes to other wineries. However, they keep a select few for their own line of traditional-style Argentine wines. The 2011 Torrontés was handpicked from its 40-year-old vineyard in late March with manually selected clusters. Winemaker Mario Malatto then cool-ferments the juice for 15 days in stainless steel tanks. Medium-bodied and at 13.3% alcohol, this is just what you would expect—and want—from a traditional Torrontés. The Sippers Say: Powerful aromatics hinting at jas- mine, stone fruits and petrol. Mouth-filling texture with bright acidity and exotic personality. —Brent Karliceck Aromas of honey, sugar, apricots and jellied licorice; ruby grapefruit and simple syrup on the palate. —Scott Yanni A nose of pepper, lavender and orange blossom, with a creamy, olive and lightly crisp finish. —Ramon Rice Teresa Romig, WSET, is the Arizona Key Account Manager for Bronco Wine Company, and Derek Winter, CSW, is the Southwest Regional Manager.