Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/430172
124 / the tasting panel / december 2014 MOST LIKELY TO BECOME FAMOUS SONOMA-LOEB 2012 PINOT NOIR, DUTTON RANCH, RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY ($38) T he mere mention of Dutton Ranch and our taste buds begin to salivate. The famous vineyard is tucked into foggy hills above the Russian River Valley in western Sonoma County. Reed Dutton purchased the family's first 200 acres in 1881, but not until 1967 did Reed's great- grandson, the late Warren Dutton Jr., plant the family's first Chardonnay vineyard. Today, sons Steve and Joe Dutton continue to operate this critically acclaimed vineyard— acting as a kind of beacon light of quality for Sonoma County. The Sonoma-Loeb Pinot block is situated on an east- facing slope with shallow soils and full sun exposure. Wine geeks take note: Winemaker Phillip Corallo-Titus uses Pinot clones 667, 777 and 115 to produce this world- class wine. Grapes from the 2012 vintage were fermented using a combination of punch-downs and pump-overs, with wild yeast, as well as select strains from Burgundy. The wine was aged for 11 months in French oak barrels. Lush and ripe with rich texture and deep black cherry; smooth, spicy and savory with fine acid structure and a long, balanced finish. 92 —Anthony Dias Blue, Blue Reviews EXTRA! September 2014 www.sonoma-loeb.com BEST DRESSED AND MOST FAMILY-ORIENTED BIB & TUCKER BOURBON ($55) AND UNCLE VAL'S RESTORATIVE GIN ($40) D uring America's early rough-and- tumble days, the term "bib and tucker" described your Sunday best. Today, the innovative artisans over at 35 Maple Street Spirits are putting on their finest with Bib & Tucker Bourbon, a super-smooth and suave sipper rich with notes of chestnut that shines neat and completes the perfect ensemble in a well-coiffed cocktail. With an equally attractive package, Uncle Val's Restorative Gin also brings a family legacy to life, honoring Zio Valerio's favorite cooking ingredients with a unique floral bouquet and continuing the Uncle Val's Gin tradition of unique botanical bouquets. Bib & Tucker six-year-aged bourbon has a nose of antiques, new saddle leather, chamomile- soaked butterscotch drops and warm cinnamon-kissed cedar. If that doesn't bring up images of Americana, the flavor profile mirrors the nose, urging on that sense of peace, harmony and balance: all the good things you taste and should feel while sipping a great 92-proof bourbon. 96 —Meridith May, Publisher's Picks, October 2014 Juniper and coriander may take the initial lead for the wake-me-up character of this American-made gin, but the nose for this handcrafted new expression of Uncle Val's soon takes flight to melting violets and dried Mandarin orange peel. Exquisitely positioned, the violets take the front line on the palate with first sip, surrounded by cucumbers and a garden of roses. Pinched by a parade of black pepper and tea tannins, this is indeed a restorative for the senses. 94 —Meridith May, Publisher's Picks, October 2014 MOST HARMONIOUS B. R. COHN 2012 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, 67% NAPA COUNTY & 33% SONOMA COUNTY ($40) B ruce Cohn managed the Doobie Brothers from the beginning of their career up to present day, and his mother is rumored to have shared the stage with The Voice—Mr. Frank Sinatra himself—in Chicago back in the day. Hence, it's no surprise that one sip from this beauty and we feel like turning up the volume on one of Frank's swinging albums and going to town, like there's no tomorrow—"All or Nothing at All." This wine beckons us to "Take Me in Your Arms," and rightfully so—for Cohn's Gold Label, inspired by eldest son Dan Cohn and handcrafted by Winemaker Tom Montgomery, is a blend of their best lots from Napa and Sonoma. Select vineyard blocks from their Olive Hill Estate Vineyard contrib- ute elegant soft tannin and bright berry flavors, like the harmony of a melody you could whistle all the live-long day. Spice and mint in the nose; smooth, lush and gener- ous with lovely plum, blackberry and cassis; elegant structure and juicy style; a dazzler. 93 —Anthony Dias Blue, Blue Reviews EXTRA! August 2014 www.brcohn.com Bib & Tucker six-year-aged bourbon has a nose of antiques, new saddle leather, chamomile-