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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. 91 Livermore Valley ($19) Ripe and sweet with rich fruit, lovely spice and juicy notes; lush, tangy and long with complex and appealing flavors. DOMESTIC 89 89 WENTE VINEYARDS Groth 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley ($20) Smooth and ripe with tangy acidity and racy acidity; spicy, long and balanced, lively and stylish. 90 Longoria Wines 2010 Albariño, Clover Creek Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley ($23) Smooth, juicy and fresh with lovely aromatics and lush texture; crisp and lively with peach and tangy citrus; long and balanced, bracing and delightful. Chalk Hill 2009 Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley ($30) Smooth and creamy with spice, notes of sweet vanilla oak and honeydew; lush, dense and ripe; rich and elegant with length and great style. FOLEY FAMILY WINES Sonoma Coast ($41) Dark, dense and creamy with ripe tropical fruit and lush toasty vanilla oak, all tied together by a stream of bright, tangy acidity; a virtuoso performance with depth and a long, lingering finish. 93 60 / the tasting panel / august 201 1 VERSATILE VINES Blagden 2007 Chardonnay, Sangiacomo Vineyard, Vineyard, Chehalem Mountains, Oregon ($65) Pure, fresh and racy with tangy cherry fruit and lively acidity; juicy, bright and balanced with great style and excellent depth. 93 93 Piña Napa Valley 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Buckeye Vineyard, Howell Mountain ($85) Lush and dense with lovely notes of chocolate, spice and ripe plum; rich and complete with depth, excellent structure and lots of style and grace. Murrieta’s Well 2009 The Whip, 2009 Zinfandel, Napa Valley ($25) Long, smooth and ripe with expansive flavors of plum and black raspberry fruit and vanilla oak; beautifully balanced with tangy style. 91 Ampelos Cellars and Vineyard 2010 Syrah Rosé, Upsilon, Santa Barbara County ($16) Fresh and dense with meaty berry fruit; juicy, dry and balanced with crisp acidity and good length. 90 90 Sequana 2009 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley ($38) Juicy and bright with lively acidity, fresh cherry and nice depth; silky, long and complex; fleshy, balanced and stylish. HESS COLLECTION Dobbes Family Estate 2008 Pinot Noir, Quailhurst Titus Vineyards