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80 / the tasting panel / april 2016 WINES Two Arrowheads 2013, Paso Robles ($18) Nectar-like scents and flavors of white peach, banana, mango and melon, all with toned chalky minerality. Pretty buttered peach pie plumps up the mid-palate and ends with a lemon-curd softness. This blend of 71% Viognier and 29% Roussanne demonstrates the natural setting for Rhône varieties in Paso Robles. 92 AMERICAN PIONEER WINEGROWERS Hey Mambo 2013 "Sultry Red," California ($12) The latest vintage shows all the right moves for this sun-drenched, earthy red. Light on its feet, it takes graceful steps towards lush ripeness and balances its partner of fine acidity while dipping into chocolate-coffee-fig undertones. 90 3 BADGE ENOLOGY Pennywise 2013 Pinot Noir, California ($12) The earthy, rasp- berry nose is brisk and bass-toned. The grip of acidity and tea tannins are brusque but momentarily sweetened by raspberry until Italian herbs move in. This is a Pinot Noir in motion: a constantly changing flavor profile that's proof of complexity and great value. 90 3 BADGE ENOLOGY True Myth 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles ($24) With an abundance of blue and black fruit to sweeten, the chalky tannins and earth "soil" play up the savory and mineral tones of this rustic red from the Niven Family of California's Central Coast. This wine over-delivers with serious big oak-caramel and black cherry coming in from mid-palate to finish. 90 NIVEN FAMILY WINE ESTATES Opaque 2010 Malbec, Paso Robles ($30) A blood purple–hued beauty that rounds out the Malbec grape to a generous, flowing provider of lush red and blue fruit. Its tannins are pliant and work well with its toffee-kissed oak. Dotted with bright cherry and cranberry, the acidity is pert and the underlying minerality cleans the palate after each sip. More Cahors than Argentina, the floral vitality brought out by winemakers Anthony Riboli and Arnaud Debons is exquisite. 93 SAN ANTONIO WINERY Viña Siegel 2012 Unique Selection Los Lingues Red, Alto Colchagua Valley, Chile ($33) The blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Carmenère and 20% Syrah is an expressive array of deep, black fruit and spice. A vein of chocolate sweetens violet petals and the texture and density of the wine is impressive to the finish. Aged in French oak for 14–16 months. A true-blue match with red meat. 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. Publisher's AMERICAN PIONEER WINEGROWERS Hey Mambo 2013 "Sultry Red," The latest vintage shows all the right moves for this sun-drenched, earthy red. Light on its feet, it takes graceful steps towards lush ripeness and balances its partner 90 3 BADGE ENOLOGY Pennywise 2013 Pinot Noir, California ($12) berry nose is brisk and bass-toned. The grip of acidity and tea tannins are brusque but momentarily sweetened by raspberry until Italian herbs move in. This is a Pinot Noir in motion: a constantly changing flavor profile that's proof of complexity and great value. Worthy of a smooch. French-style double bizou. Wildly infatuated. Seriously smitten. Head over heels in love.