Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/391612
october 2014 / the tasting panel / 77 95 Duckhorn 2011 Merlot, Three Palms Vineyard, Napa Valley ($95) Velvety and ripe with lovely acid structure, bright plum and blackberry fruit; classic, showing vanilla, minerals and impressive finesse; elegant, complex, long and exceptional—a great vineyard beautifully expressed. IMPORTS 89 Patient Cottat 2012 Menetou-Salon Ancienne Vignes, France ($22) A Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire with citrus, minerals and feral notes; tangy and racy with crisp, lively style; long and balanced. VINEYARD BRANDS 90 Inama 2012 Vigneti di Foscarino, Soave Classico, Italy ($24) Bright and juicy with lovely structure; round, lush and ripe; creamy and long. 100% Garganega. DALLA TERRA 90 Joseph Drouhin 2013 Pouilly-Fuissé, France ($31) Silky and smooth with ripe, crisp citrus; lush, balanced, fresh and deep. DREYFUS ASHBY 91 Robert Oatley 2011 Pennant Chardonnay, Margaret River, Australia ($60) Rich and complex but elegant and fresh; bright and juicy with depth and finesse; rich, juicy and polished with lovely texture. PACIFIC HIGHWAY WINE AND SPIRITS 92 Maison Nicolas Perrin 2012 Hermitage Blanc, France ($74) Deep gold color ; soft vanilla nose; creamy and bright with lush texture and well integrated acidity; soft minerals, elegant style and finesse; long, seamless and balanced. Marsanne, Roussanne. VINEYARD BRANDS 93 Bodega Garzón 2012 Tannat, Garzón, Uruguay ($20) The first vintage from this gorgeous new winery is a stunning rendition of this under-appreciated variety; silky and smooth with lush ripe plum and raspberry with soft new oak and hints of chocolate and spice. BLENDS INC. 93 Cellar Vall Llach 2010 Porrera Vi de Vila, Priorat, Spain ($65) Dark, dense with rich with intensity and ripe flavors of blackberry, cassis and chocolate; not for the faint of heart, a full- throttle red with amazing depth and vivid flavors. 70% Cariñena, 30% Garnacha. FOLIO FINE WINE PARTNERS 97 Buglioni 2007 l'Amarone Riserva, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, Italy ($249) Soft black cherry nose; lush, dense and velvety with ripe plum, cherry and boysenberry; elegant and rich with amazing generosity and finesse; complex and seamless with hints of chocolate and soft spices; flawless and extremely long. 60% Corvina, 15% Corvinone, 10% Rondinella, 10% Oseleta, 5% Croatina. WILSON DANIELS VALUE AND BY-THE-GLASS RECOMMENDATIONS 88 Brampton 2013 Un-Oaked Chardonnay, Western Cape, South Africa ($13) Fresh and bright with smooth texture and racy acidity; clean and dense, long and juicy. PACIFIC HIGHWAY WINES & SPIRITS 88 Alamos 2013 Torrontès, Salta, Argentina ($13) Juicy, aromatic fruit on clean texture; fresh and ripe with spice and lots of charm. E&J GALLO