Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/7240
56 / the tasting panel / march 2010 BLUE REViEWs IMPORTS 89 August Kesseler 2008 Silvaner & Riesling, Germany ($19) A blend with nervy citrus and peach fruit and pure, racy acidity; bracing, tangy and showing mineral complexity as well as lively structure. VINEYARD BRANDS 89 Hugel & Fils 2007 Gewürztraminer, Alsace, France ($27) Rose petal nose; dry and juicy with keen spice and bright acidity; fresh, subtle and quite lovely. FREDERICK WILDMAN & SONS 92 Shaw & Smith 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, Adelaide Hills, Australia ($27) Consistently outstanding, Australia's best Sauvignon is bright and fresh with lovely grapefruit and lime fruit and a pure acid backbone; racy and seductive with balance and smooth, pure finish. VINTUS 91 Weinbach 2006 Riesling Cuvée Sainte Catherine, Clos des Capucins, Alsace, France ($70) Rich, minerally and dry with smooth, creamy texture, peach fruit and an underlying crisp acidity; complex, layered and cerebral; difficult but offering a huge reward. VINEYARD BRANDS 91 Villa Matilde 2005 Passito, Eleusi, Italy ($72) Deep amber color ; fragrant, toasted, candied apricots and honey; burnished, rich and complex with long, caramel flavors. 100% Falanghina. EMPSON USA 92 Clos de los Siete 2008 Malbec, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina ($19) Dark and silky with elegant plum and racy tannins and acidity; supple, deep and intense with stunning clarity and structure; a dramatic Michel Rolland wine at an amazing price. FRANK-LIN IMPORTS 91 Blind Trail 2007 Pinot Noir, Central Otago, New Zealand ($20) Ripe and rich with lovely black cherry and tangy acidity; fresh, dense and luscious with length and amazing substance. SAN FRANCISCO WINE EXCHANGE 91 Bodega Septima 2007 Gran Reserva, Mendoza, Argentina ($25) Dense and rich with lovely pure plum and berry fruit; complex and layered with fine acid structure; supple, lush and long. 50% Malbec, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Tannat. AVENIU BRANDS 91 Castello di Fonterutoli 2006 Sieppi, Toscana, Italy ($118) Dark and dusky with ripe blackberry and spice; rich, complex and balanced with lovely texture and a long, focused finish. 50% Merlot, 50% Sangiovese. PALM BAY INTERNATIONAL VALUE AND BY-THE-GLASS RECOMMENDATIONS 88 Apaltagua 2009 Chardonnay, Reserva, Casablanca Valley, Chile ($11) Fresh and juicy with bright acidity and balanced flavors; lively and clean. GLOBAL VINEYARD 89 Domaine Cottat 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Vin de Pays, Loire Valley, France ($14) Clean and edgy, with this varietal's signature "cat pee" notes, tangy citrus and racy acidity. EMPSON USA 89 Rancho Zabaco 2008 Dancing Bull Sauvignon Blanc, California ($12) Smooth and herbaceous with a citrus finish; bright, racy and zesty with balance, spice and good length. GALLO 88 Firestone Vineyard 2007 Discoveries Cabernet Sauvignon, California ($10) Smooth texture with lush plum and juicy acidity; deep with notes of earth and spice. FOLEY FAMILY WINERIES 88 Badia a Coltibuono 2008 Cancelli Toscana ($10) Bright with tangy berry fruit and racy acidity; juicy and charming with long and lively flavors. 70% Sangiovese, 30% Syrah. DALLA TERRA 89 Acre 2007 Merlot, Central Coast ($16) Silky and supple with plum, cherry and hints of chocolate; neatly balanced and showing a long, classic finish. 89 French Maid 2007 Merlot, Vin de Pays d'Oc, France ($11) Velvety ripe plum and blackberry fruit; dense, earthy and long with excellent balance and structure. WHITE ROCKET WINE CO. 89 Tamás Estates 2007 Double Decker Red, Central Coast ($10) A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Barbera with ripe plum, blueberry and spice; charming and balanced with good length, lively acidity and seductive flavors. WENTE