Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/746412
72 / the tasting panel / november 2016 DOMESTIC 90 Morgan Winery 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, Monterey ($17) Veteran vintner Dan Morgan Lee still makes some of the Central Coast's most distinctive (and fairly priced) wines; lush, juicy and balanced. 49% Clone I, 43% Musqué clone, 8% Semillon. 90 Priest Ranch 2015 Estate Grenache Blanc, Napa Valley ($22) From select blocks of an estate first settled by James Joshua Priest in 1869. Tangy, juicy and fresh with racy citrus and lush texture. SOMERSTON WINE CO. 91 Sarah's Vineyard 2014 Estate Chardonnay, Santa Clara Valley ($32) From eccentric Silicon Valley scientist, engineer and inventor Tim Slater. Silky texture and crisp acidity; bright, elegant and long. 91 Alta Colina 2014 Claudia Cuvée Marsanne, Adelaida District Vineyard, Paso Robles ($35) Bob Tillman is a Rhône specialist with a deft touch. A handsome, elegant blend of definitive Rhône white varieties; smooth and lush with minerals and soft spice. 75% Marsanne, 25% Roussanne. 92 Blair Estate 2014 Chardonnay, Delfina's Vineyard, Arroyo Seco, Monterey County ($45) A complex cool-climate Chard with toasty oak and vanilla; rich and deep with creamy texture and ripe fruit. 91 Midnight Cellars 2012 Estate Zinfandel, Willow Creek District, Paso Robles ($25) A hands- on producer in Paso's newly estalished Willow Creek District. Keen and juicy with tangy "zinberry" fruit; fresh, zesty and long. 92 Ponzi Vineyards 2014 Classico Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley ($43) A silky, classic Pinot from a classic Oregon producer. Bright cherry fruit and good acid structure; lively, balanced and long. VINTUS 92 Nicolas-Jay 2014 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley ($65) A collaboration between Burgundy producer Jean- Nicolas Méo (of Domaine Méo-Camuzet) and music executive Jay Boberg. Graceful, savory and juicy; long and tangy, fresh and complex. 93 Zena Crown Vineyards 2013 Σ The Sum Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley ($75) Jackson Family's venture into deepest Oregon; dark and silky with juicy black cherry and racy acidity; elegant, Burgundian and classic; stylish and bright; long and refined. 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