Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/661678
76 / the tasting panel / april 2016 DOMESTIC 91 Landmark Vineyards 2014 Overlook Chardonnay, Sonoma County ($25) A certified Sonoma classic. Juicy, ripe and tangy with balance and smooth texture; lively, fresh and modern. 93 Grieve Family Winery 2014 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley ($30) Ripe and lush with deep peach fruit and lovely texture; tangy and and intense wine from the undiscovered Lovall Valley of Napa; an exceptional effort. 92 Dierberg Vineyard 2013 Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley ($32) A consistent performer from Santa Barbara County. Elegant and balanced with firm structure and fresh pear and citrus fruit; long and graceful. 91 Colter's Creek Winery 2012 Koos Koos Kia, Snake River Valley, Idaho ($22) This blend of all five Bordeaux varieties proves that Idaho has the right stuff; smooth, complex and balanced with depth and concentration; seamless and long. Look for more Idaho wine reviews in my online reviews at tastingpanelmag.com. 91 Ancient Peaks 2013 Renegade, Santa Margarita Ranch, Paso Robles ($24) Three winegrowing and ranching families collaborate on this constantly improving Paso label. Deep plum, blackberry and cassis; rich and earthy with balance and spice. 93% Syrah, 4% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot. 91 Oso Libre Winery 2012 Osenzo Zinfandel, Paso Robles ($38) Central Coast vintners and cattle ranchers make this rich and spicy Zin loaded with blackberry and cassis; juicy, dense and peppery with sweet fruit and a long, mellow finish. They also sell beef futures! 93 Star Lane 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara ($50) Star Lane is Dierberg's sister label, focused on Bordeaux-style wines. Dense with ripe plum, blackberry and cassis; supple and subtle; deep, generous and long. 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot. DIERBERG 90 Résonance 2014 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley ($50) A Louis Jadot project in Oregon—their first outside France—with wines made by the renowned Jacques Lardière. This ripe and balanced Pinot shows deep cherry and spice, rich and long on the finish. KOBRAND 91 Young Inglewood 2012 Right Bank Blend, St. Helena–Napa Valley ($75) Bordeaux- inspired wines from a passionate Napa Valley boutique producer. Velvety with ripe plum, cassis and spice; rich and balanced with firm structure and a long, dense finish. 60% Cabernet Franc, 37% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot. 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