The Tasting Panel magazine

June 2017

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76  /  the tasting panel  /  june 2017 WINES Draxton 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, Nelson Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley ($18) A pretty honeysuckle on the nose captures my attention. With vines in the cooler southeast part of Dry Creek Valley, the crisp- ness of the wine shows through in the guise of tart lime that usurps the palate, dotted by freshly picked herbs and sweet honeydew. Floral tones and peaches finish the special event. 92 Terlato Vineyards 2016 Pinot Grigio, Friuli Colli Orientali DOC, Italy ($23) Brilliance in acidity, body and structure. Rich melon, peach, tarragon and pine- apple flow through a slate core. The crispness perches on the palate for a dose of delicious. 92 TERLATO WINES Stolo Family Vineyards 2016 Estate Sauvignon Blanc, San Luis Obispo County ($25) A gleaming canary yellow hue, this lovely white exudes notes of grass and unripe pineapple. Acidity is searing, with a squeeze of lemon juice on the finish. From the only commercial wine estate in Cambria, close to the Pacific, this small- production Sauv Blanc should start getting on wine lists—pronto! 94 Baileyana 2015 Firepeak Chardonnay, Edna Valley ($28) From the coolest growing area in California, less than five miles from the Pacific, volcanic soil, rocky marine sediment and clay loam compose the vineyards for this superb interpretation of Chardonnay in California's Central Coast. Rich with graceful, fine acidity, there's weight on the mouth that feels just right. Winemaker Christian Roguenant was born in Beaune and knows he can't replicate Bourgogne, but he sure gets the gist of it with this beauty. Lanolin, buttered (sautéed) papaya gives away the lees stirring (no ML here) and the sweet vanilla finish is a nod to the eight months aging in one year old oak. 93 Bota Box Dry Rosé, California ($25/3L) This three-liter bag-in-box rosé is refreshing and dry, with candied strawberry, a hint of ginger and white tea floral tones. It was tasted blind by our team of writers: Only one of us knew it was a box wine and it got good scores all around. The state-of-the-art bag-in-box technology keeps the wine fresh for up to four weeks once it is open. Bota Box packaging is 100% recyclable and is made from unbleached, post-consumer fiber. The carton is printed with VOC-free inks, and is bonded with cornstarch instead of synthetic glue. 90 DFV WINES 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. PHOTO: DAVID GADD PICKS

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