The Tasting Panel magazine

April 2015

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68  /  the tasting panel  /  april 2015 WINES P.S. Match Rosso, Italy ($10) This slightly sweet, frizzante-style Italian red is a blend of Sangiovese, Montepulciano and varieties from Valpolicella. At 5.5% ABV it's a pleasantly refreshing easy-drinker that offers up a raspberry-cinnamon, cherry-drop flavor profile. Good acidity and pretty aromatics give it a presence as an aperitif or a natural pairing with light appetizers. For superb value and for its category. 89 PRAIRIE CREEK BEVERAGES Leese-Fitch 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, California ($12) Juicy, Big-Man-on-Campus personality, bursting with strawberry-blackberry charm. Bold, bolstered with roasted coffee tannins, soy, balsamic—savory! A tobacco leaf wafts through to the finish. A brave red with a deep soul. 90 TOG WINES Montevina 2012 Skyland Ridge Barbera, Amador County ($12) Earthy bass tones are synchronized with a signature Old World high acidity with first sip. The rich, dense, creamy blackberry and red floral tones lend it a distinct California sun and soil arrangement. On the finish, a piecrust envelops the jammy fruit and sends it up the musical scale to a pleasing mid-range of balance and texture. 90 TFE WINES Michael David Winery 2012 7 Deadly Zins, Lodi ($16) With its new label design, the winemaking team at Michael David Winery—Adam Mettler, Derek Devries and Jeff Farthing—once more bring delicious to Lodi Zinfandel. Easy to drink and scented with crushed fruits and anise, the spiced berry palate is balanced with fine acidity, concentrated blackberry jam and coffee-earth sweet bean flavors. 91 Folie à Deux 2012 Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley ($20) Licorice-licked blueberries grow wild on the palate, while pungent notes of sage, heather and mint sail on rich velvet tannins. This red sings the praise of why Zinfandel can be such a superstar in Dry Creek Valley. Expressive and aromatic, the juice becomes more generous, the black pepper mellows and your palate is back for more. 93 TFE WINES Y. Roussseau 2012 Tannat, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($35) Violets and anise are exotic enough, but this is a darling with its blueberry/cherry-pie essence. And with its chewy and firm tannins, it sets a standard for this grape—a wonderful persona known in Southwest France's Madiran AOC and in Uruguay. This rich and mouth-filling version from the Russian River Valley is blended with 5% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Syrah. 92 PICKS In each issue THE TASTING PANEL's Publisher and Editorial Director, Meridith May, selects her favorite wines and spirits of the month. Check here for the latest arrivals in our offices, the hottest new brands on the market and an occasional revisited classic. Worthy of a smooch. French-style double bizou. Wildly infatuated. Seriously smitten. Head over heels in love. Publisher's

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