Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/455266
86 / the tasting panel / january/february 2015 DOMESTIC 90 Four Vines Winery 2012 Maverick Zinfandel, Amador County ($22) Silky and juicy with generous red fruit and spice; rich, fresh and lively with bright, fresh tangy flavors; long and balanced. PURPLE WINE COMPANY 90 Clayhouse Wines 2013 Grenache Blanc–Viognier, Red Cedar Vineyard, Paso Robles ($23) Juicy and crisp with racy acidity and fresh, tangy fruit; lively, balanced and long. 70% Grenache Blanc, 30% Viognier. MIDDLETON FAMILY WINES 90 Bouchaine Vineyards 2011 Estate Chardonnay, Carneros ($30) Smooth and lush with ripe fruit and a core of juicy acidity; tangy, crisp and long with depth and good balance. 92 Dolin 2012 Pinot Noir, Rincon Vineyard, Arroyo Grande Valley ($45) One of four new Central Coast–sourced Pinots from this Malibu- based winery; juicy and silky with notes of earth, spice and savory style; long, elegant and lovely. 91 Spottswoode 2013 Sauvignon Blanc, 28% Napa Valley, 72% Sonoma Mountain ($36) Soft and rounded with ripe citrus and depth; juicy, deep and showing minerals and ripe flavors; classic, rich and balanced with great length. 15% Sauvignon Musqué. 90 Cambridge Cellars 2012 Meritage, Napa Valley ($23) Smooth and ripe with juicy fruit and mellow flavors of plum and berries; lovely balance and lush texture; fresh, bright and nicely structured. 92 MacRostie 2012 Chardonnay, Sangiacomo Vineyard, Carneros ($44) Bright and juicy with generous flavors of pear and citrus; racy acidity and lovely texture, balanced and long. 90 Mike Ditka 2011 The Icon Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($50) Smooth and juicy with bright acidity and good structure; balanced, spicy and long. (Just wondering . . . does Mike stomp the grapes himself?) TERLATO WINES INTERNATIONAL 92 Panther Creek Cellars 2012 Pinot Noir Reserve, Willamette Valley ($50) Lots of tangy acidity and bright black cherry and cola flavors; dense and complex with notes of earth, spice and racy style. In 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: 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. Prices are for 750 ml. bottles unless otherwise noted. Anthony Dias BLUE REVIEWS BLUE REVIEWS