Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/807384
74 / the tasting panel / april 2017 DOMESTIC 90 Hat Ranch Winery 2015 Estate Dry Moscato, Snake River Valley, Idaho ($18) Idaho is making new friends with charming bang-for-buck wines like this. Juicy and tangy with dry, crisp style; good length and racy acidity. 92 Navarro Vineyards 2015 Riesling, Anderson Valley ($20) You've had their Gewürz, now try the Riesling. Crisp acidity and racy, dry fruit; juicy, fresh and balanced with tangy style. 92 Franciscan 2014 Cuvée Sauvage Chardonnay, Carneros, Napa Valley ($40) Silky and bright with loads of Carneros style and hints of toasty new oak; elegant and long. CONSTELLATION WINE U.S 92 Metrick Wines 2015 Chardonnay, Sierra Madre Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley ($36) A new label from Sherry importer Alex Russan. Bright with citrus and lively style; crisp and racy, clean and balanced. ALEXANDER JULES 94 Joseph Phelps 2015 Chardonnay, Freestone Vineyard, Sonoma Coast ($55) The classic Napa Valley Cab producer looks to marine- influenced Sonoma for a lovely, balanced and rich Chardonnay. Superb. 93 Marimar Estate 2014 Dobles Lías Chardonnay, Don Miguel Vineyard, Russian River Valley ($54) A consistently excellent RRV Chardonnay from vintner Miramar Torres; elegant and deep. 48% See Vineyard, 41% Spring Mountain Vineyard, 11% Rued Vineyard. 93 St. Francis 2014 Reserve Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley ($52) Dry Creek means Zinfandel and this one is exemplary: smooth, velvety and rich with black cherry and spice; notes of chocolate and vanilla oak. 16% Petite Sirah. KOBRAND 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