Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/6221
42 / the tasting panel / january–february 2010 BlUe ReVIeWs 91 W hite Cottage 2006 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley ($65) Bright, lush and elegant with ripe plum and tangy acidity; stylish, with balance, finesse and breeding. IMPORTS 91 Nicolas Feuillatte 2000 Brut Champagne Cuvée Spéciale, France ($75) an excellent Champagne that often flies under the radar ; fresh, juicy and pure with a smooth and balanced finished. STe. miChelle Wine eSTaTeS 90 Q uattro Leoni 2007 Vino Rosso, Barbera d'Asti, Italy ($17) Bright and nervy with cherry and raspberry fruit with a touch of rhubarb; fresh and smooth with hints of roses and leather. marQUee arTiSan WineS 89 B oroli 2006 Madonna di Como Dolcetto d'Alba, Italy ($17) an explosion of ripe berries with tangy acidity and smooth texture; juicy, fresh and charming with style and balance. dalla Terra 91 Two Hands 2008 Shiraz, Gnarly Dudes, Barossa Valley, Australia ($25) dense and ripe with blackberry, blueberry and spice; smooth, lush textured and rich; deep, concentrated and delicious. TerlaTO WineS inTernaTiOnal 89 P errin & Fils 2007 Vinsobres Les Cornuds, France ($22) lush and juicy with black raspberry and cherry fruit; bright, tangy and balanced with good length and acidity. vineYard BrandS 89 C hristian Moueix 2006 Saint Estèphe, Appellation Series, France ($25) Smooth and juicy with bright, fresh plum and lively tannins; a stylish Bordeaux with a modern approach. KOBrand COrP. 91 Conte Brandolini d'Adda 2005 Vistorta Merlot, Friuli- Venezia Giulia, Italy ($29) Juicy and compelling with tangy plum and raspberry fruit; silky, long and bright with depth, finesse and style. Palm BaY inTernaTiOnal 90 J ackson Estate 2008 Pinot Noir, Vintage Widow, Marlborough, New Zealand ($32) dense and rich with ripe black cherry and lovely spice; smooth, bright and showing some fleshy notes. rOCK CreeK Wine merChanTS 92 C raggy Range Vineyards 2006 Aroha Pinot Noir, Te Muna Road, Martinborough, New Zealand ($70) Bright and juicy with persistent acidity and lovely red cherry fruit with hints of cinnamon; fresh, charming and balanced with length and depth. KOBrand COrP. 88 M aior de Mendoza 2007 Albariño, Rías Baixas, Spain ($18) edgy and minerally with racy acid and smooth texture. BeaCOn Wine COmPanY VALUE AND BY-THE- GLASS SELECTIONS 88 S noqualmie Vineyards 2008 Estate Chardonnay, Columbia Valley ($10) Fresh and delicate with pretty, soft fruit and sweet oak; smooth and feminine. STe. miChelle Wine eSTaTeS 90 I nfinity 2008 White Blend, Grenache Blanc 60%-Viognier 40%, Central Coast ($10) aromatic, juicy and fresh with lovely acidity and charming citrus fruit; snappy, long and totally delicious. inFiniTY imPOrTS 88 H ess Collection 2008 Hess Select Chardonnay, Monterey ($12) Smooth and lush with clean, ripe fruit and good acid structure; dense, rich and balanced. 89 B arker's Marque 2009 Ranga Ranga Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand ($12) Juicy and crisp with citrus and gooseberry; racy, bright and tangy. grange Fine Wine marKeTing 88 B uried Cane 2007 Riesling, Washington State ($14) Juicy and fresh with tangy citrus and peach; clean, racy and charming with good length and style. vinTage neW WOrld 88 R ivarey 2006 Tempranillo, Rioja, Spain ($8) Crisp and fresh with lively plum, raspberry and cassis; from the well-known Forner family. vineYard BrandS