Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/776532
72 / the tasting panel / january/february 2017 DOMESTIC 91 Talley Vineyards 2014 Chardonnay, Edna Valley ($24) Juicy and crisp with racy fruit flavors; bright and tangy with ripe pear and citrus; silky, elegant and long. 92 Gamble Family Vineyards 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley ($25) Silky texture with sleek citrus and spice flavors; bright and classic with hints of spice and oak; subtle, long and elegant. 92 Dobbes Family Estate 2015 Viognier, Sundown Vineyard, Rogue Valley ($26) A lovely Southern Oregon Viognier with rich, aromatic tropical fruit; deep and long with hints of vanilla. 92 Byron 2014 Chardonnay, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley ($40) Lovely vanilla nose; silky and fresh with tangy acidity, fresh pear and soft vanilla oak; fruit-forward and elegant. JACKSON FAMILY WINES 91 Albatross Ridge 2014 Estate Chardonnay, Carmel Valley ($55) Bright citrus and pear fruit; rich and balanced with depth and style; crisp and lively; long and lovely. BOWLUS VINEYARDS 92 Copain Wines 2015 Tous Ensemble Pinot Noir, Hein, Abel, Nelson, Henneberg Vineyards, Mendocino ($28) A harmonious blend of four vineyards; silky texture and bright cherry fruit with subtle notes of oak; a tangy, elegant finish that invites another sip. 91 Miner Family Vineyards 2013 Merlot, Stagecoach Vineyard, Napa Valley ($40) Deep color, smooth texture; ripe, juicy plum and cassis with excellent acid structure; a reminder of why Merlot matters. 92 Northstar 2012 Merlot, Columbia Valley ($41) A stellar Pacific Northwest version with bright plum and berry fruit; elegant, rich and showing hints of vanilla oak; deep and balanced with lovely structure and nice length. STE. MICHELLE WINE ESTATES 91 Troon Vineyard 2014 Reserve Syrah, Applegate Valley, Oregon ($50) Juicy blackberry, cherry and notes of earth and spice; bright and clean with velvety texture and a long, balanced finish. 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 C H A R D O N N AY 2 0 1 4 B I E N N AC I D O V I N E YA R D S A N TA M A R I A VA L L E Y BYRON