Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/723381
september 2016 / the tasting panel / 69 IMPORTS 90 Joseph Drouhin 2014 Pouilly-Vinzelles, France ($20) One of the "hidden gem" lesser-known appellations of Burgundy. Elegant, tangy Chardonnay with keen acidity and fine-grained minerals; generous and lovely. DREYFUS, ASHBY 91 Paolo e Noemia d'Amico 2014 Falesia Chardonnay, Lazio IGP, Italy ($33) A family- owned winery from a region with winemaking roots going back to the Etruscans. Smooth, toasty nose; lush, creamy and dense with juicy, balanced fruit. CURIOUS CORK 95 Champagne Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve Champagne, France ($60) Charles "Champagne Charlie" Heidsieck was one of the first to recognize the importance of the U.S. as a Champagne market—the rest is history. Long, bright, toasty and yeasty; stunning. FOLIO FINE WINE PARTNERS 94 CheckMate Artisanal Winery 2013 Queen Taken Chardonnay, Golden Mile Bench DVA, Okanagan Valley BC VQA, Canada ($100) One of five superb offerings from this Chardonnay-only house in British Columbia owned by Anthony von Mandl of Mission Hill Winery. Rich, oak-influenced nose; tangy and toasty with elegance, style and great depth; long, lush and showing great finesse. 90 Bodega Vidas 2015 Siete Vidas Tinto, Cangas DOP, Spain ($19) Independent Sherry importer Alex Russan has added some excellent, value-driven Spanish table wines to his portfolio; this one is from Asutrias, on Spain's northern coast. Spicy black-raspberry fruit; juicy, dense and balanced; long and complex. 50% Abarin Negro, 20% Mencia, 15% Verdejo Negro, 15% Carrasquin. ALEXANDER JULES 90 Catena Zapata 2013 Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina ($20) A classic Argentine Malbec from the producer that jump- started that country's wine industry. Structured, balanced and supple with bright blackberry fruit and a tangy, stylish finish. WINEBOW 92 Tommasi 2011 Casisano Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Italy ($25) Podere Casisano is the Tuscan estate of the Veneto-based Tommasi family. This Brunello shows elegant flavors and bright acidity; toasty, lush and complex—a remarkable wine at this price. VINTUS LLC