Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/687399
86 / the tasting panel / june 2016 DOMESTIC 91 Dry Creek Vineyard 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley ($18) Bright, juicy and peachy with fresh tangy flavors; silky and crisp with balanced, fresh fruit. 13% Sauvignon Musqué, 4% Sauvignon Gris. 91 Tablas Creek 2015 Vermentino, Estate, Adelaida District, Paso Robles ($27) Smooth and juicy with spice, citrus and mineral complexity; lush, generous and tangy; balanced, fresh and charming. VINEYARD BRANDS 90 Yao Family Wines 2015 Napa Crest Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley ($32) From NBA and Olympic basketball star Yao Ming. Bright and juicy with tangy citrus, racy acidity, grapefruit flavors and fresh, lively style. 92 Pfendler Vineyards 2014 Estate Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast ($38) Smooth, juicy and toasted with tangy fruit, balance and elegant style; bright, fresh and long. 92 Chappellet 2013 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($60) Dark smooth nose with vanilla, toasty oak and ripe plum; rich, round and complex; deep and balanced, long and seamless. 12% Malbec, 5% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot. 90 AVE 2013 Founders Reserve Chardonnay, Presqu'ile Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley ($59) Lush and rich with tropical fruit and tangy acidity; creamy texture and ripe flavors; dense and long. KUGLER WINES 92 Ghost Pines 2014 Winemaker's Blend Zinfandel, San Joaquin/ Sonoma/Lake Counties ($20) Dark, fragrant and showing blackberry jam and spice; smooth with vanilla oak and lovely depth; smooth and long. E&J GALLO 91 Browne Family Vineyards 2013 Petit Verdot, Columbia Valley ($35) Dark and smooth with rich blackberry, plum and spice; lush texture and balance; dense and ripe. PRECEPT WINE 92 Stoller Vineyards 2014 Reserve Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills ($45) Deep, lush and juicy with crisp acidity and bright cherry and raspberry fruit; tangy and fresh, balanced and long. 91 50 Harvests 2013 Meritage, Napa Valley ($50) Dark and smooth with blackberry, cassis and spice; dense, supple,concentrated and long with rich style; long and balanced. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc. SCOTTO CELLARS 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