Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/735312
82 / the tasting panel / october 2016 WINES The Infinite Monkey Theorem 2014 Cabernet Franc, Colorado ($25) We've been writing about Ben Parsons and his primate-inspired wine since he started in 2009 at a winery in Denver—a concept similar to that of pop-up distilleries. Parsons uses fruit off the western slopes of Colorado. Without aping its style, a surprising Chinon-like quality surfaces with soft violet and blueberry emerging from the wine. Briar spice and tart cranberry are present and there's a graceful quality as well. 91 Holly's Hill Vineyards 2014 Patriarche, El Dorado ($32) A blend of 73% Mourvèdre, 21% Syrah, 3% Grenache Noir and 3% Counoise grown on steep hillsides on their Sierra Foothills estate makes for a lusty quaff. Grilled meat and bacon fat on the nose lead to its richness, while blackberry compote, dark chocolate, tilled soil— you name it—is assembled for a full-bodied flow to the black licorice and lavender finish. 91 Saucelito Canyon 2014 Estate Zinfandel, Arroyo Grande Valley ($40) Located 16 miles from the Pacific Ocean and grown on gravelly soils, the head-pruned Zinfandel was planted in 1880 and revived by Bill Greenough in 1974. Second generation Tom Greenough is at the helm today. Bright, lemon-tinged acidity is up front, and a meaty iron and rhubarb theme threads throughout. 89 Ménage á Trois Prosecco DOC, Italy ($15) Made from 100% Glera grapes, this delicate sparkler is perfumed with crisp Asian pear and peach blossoms. The soft, breezy bubbles and the fresh, fragrant and sweet pineapple, Delicious apple and lemon meringue mid-palate are party to a refreshing, food-loving wine. 90 TRINCHERO FAMILY ESTATES 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 Worthy of a smooch. French-style double bizou. Wildly infatuated. Seriously smitten. Head over heels in love. Leese-Fitch 2014 Firehouse Red, California ($12) The his- toric Old Sonoma Firehouse, the new home of 3 Badge Beverage, is the inspiration for this band of red grapes sourced throughout the Golden State: 33% Petite Sirah (from Lodi and Clarksville), 31% Syrah (Dunnigan Hills and Paso Robles), 13% Merlot (Mendocino), 12% Zinfandel (Lodi), 5% Barbera (Paso), 4% Mourvèdre (Lake County) and 2% Tempranillo. Although ripe cherries are the initial aroma pouring from the glass, the second- ary notes of leather and grilled meat are sufficient to have us dive right into this mélange of flavor. Black licorice, chocolate cookies and blackberry sound like dessert, but the deep, rich character of each component steers clear of sweet and into savory with bright acidity. 89 3 BADGE BEVERAGE Hey Mambo 2014 Sultry Red, California ($12) With 11 varietals comprising this rustic, exciting red—and an over-delivery of flavor and texture—it's jammy and spicy to the core. Red cherry tart tannins, pomegranate and cedar integrate with ripe raspberry and red licorice. The primary notes of Zinfandel, Barbera and Petite Sirah offer up dark fruit and floral undertones. The finish adds tropical notes of coconut-vanilla. 90 3 BADGE BEVERAGE Great Values! PHOTO: DAVID GADD WINES The Cabernet been primate-inspired at that the its with wine. and Firehouse The his- Firehouse, the Firehouse, the Firehouse, Beverage, band of throughout Petite Clarksville), Hills Merlot Zinfandel 4% Mourvèdre Values! Hey Mambo Red, California 11 varietals rustic, exciting rustic, exciting rustic, over-delivery texture—it's to the core. tannins, pomegranate tannins, pomegranate tannins, cedar integrate cedar integrate cedar raspberry primary notes primary notes primary Barbera and Petite Sirah