Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/359372
august 2014 / the tasting panel / 75 94 CADE 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($60) Juicy, elegant and rich with layers of plum, blackberry and spice; precise and deep with lovely texture and balance; vibrant and intense, lush and ripe with great style and finesse. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot, 10% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc. IMPORTS 90 Erzetic 2013 Rebula, Goriska Brda, Slovenia ($23) Grapefruit and juicy citrus; fresh, clean and balanced with lively flavors and a long, vibrant finish. Ribolla Gialla. OLD WORLD VINES 90 Forrest Estate 2012 The Doctors' Riesling, Marlborough, New Zealand ($18) Bright and juicy lime and tangy acidity with a hint of green herbs; spicy and long, balanced and focused. PACIFIC PRIME WINES 92 Domaine Vincent Delaporte 2012 Maxime Vieilles Vigne sur Silex, Sancerre, France ($43) Smooth and juicy with bright citrus and minerals; deep and complex with lovely finesse and purity; long and complete. VINEYARD BRANDS 94 Caiarossa 2008 Toscana, Italy ($69) Deep, dark and rich with concentrated plum and spice; lush and intense with lovely structure and length; complex, elegant and polished. Biodynamic. 29% Cabernet Franc, 16% Merlot, 16% Petit Verdot, 14% Syrah, 14% Alicante, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Sangiovese. LYRA WINE 90 Maison Nicolas Perrin 2012 Syrah, France ($17) Smooth and lush with lovely depth; cassis, blackberry, minerals and spice; elegant and generous; long and balanced. 92% Syrah, 8% Viognier. VINEYARD BRANDS 90 Altano 2011 Touriga Nacional Reserva, Quinta do Ataíde, Douro, Portugal ($24) Smooth and velvety with deep flavors of ripe black plum and cassis; fresh and rich with balance and dense spice; long and vivid. PREMIUM PORT WINES 90 Bock Cellars 2011 Blaufränkisch, Villány, Hungary ($29) Ripe and juicy with plum and lively berry fruit; notes of spice and vanilla, lush and balanced, long and vibrant. OLD WORLD VINES 92 CVNE 2006 Viña Real Gran Reserva, Rioja, Spain ($40) Rich, spicy nose; smooth and concentrated with spice, plum and blackberry; lush texture and good depth; long and balanced, built to age. MICHAEL SKURNIK WINES VALUE AND BY-THE-GLASS RECOMMENDATIONS 89 Palissade 2013 Sauvignon Blanc, Atlantique, France ($10) Crisp and juicy with bright citrus and tangy acidity; fresh and racy with vibrant flavor and a long finish; an incredible value. DANGEROUS WINE GROUP 88 Two Ponds 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley ($10) Bright and peachy with crisp acidity and lively style; fresh and juicy. PRECEPT BRANDS 88 Patient Cottat 2013 Sauvignon Blanc Le Grand Caillou, VDP Val de Loire, France ($14) Juicy and crisp with bright citrus and tangy style; fresh, racy, minerally and long. VINEYARD BRANDS 88 Milbrandt Vineyards 2013 Traditions Rosé Wine, Columbia Valley ($13) Light pink; dry, crisp and juicy with bright strawberry and citrus; racy and fresh, balanced. Sangiovese and Syrah. SAN FRANCISCO WINE EXCHANGE 88 J. Lohr 2012 Pinot Noir, Falcon's Perch, Monterey County ($17) Smooth and ripe with earth, spice and cherry fruit; juicy and meaty with balance and good length. 90 William Hill Estate 2012 Merlot, Central Coast ($17) Smooth and ripe with juicy plum and blackberry; sweet oak, spice and fine balance; long and stylish with finesse and depth. E. & J. GALLO SPIRITS 94 1800 Milenio Extra Añejo Tequila, Mexico ($125) Deep amber color ; smoky agave nose; silky and lush with spice, toasty oak and creamy style; intense and smooth with lovely dried fruit and depth; a spirit with lots of poise and finesse; long and elegant. PROXIMO SPIRITS 89 Black Mask Spiced Pacific Rum Black Premo, Thailand ($14) Deep mahogany color ; spicy nose; lush, dense with licorice, spice and good depth INTERNATIONAL BEVERAGE