Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/856981
68 / the tasting panel / august 2017 DOMESTIC 90 Amici Cellars 2015 Chardonnay, Sonoma ($25) A wine made in the spirit of friendship. Smooth and toasty with creamy, rich style; lush, ripe and dense. 90 Sonoma-Loeb 2015 Chardonnay, Sangiacomo Vineyard, Carneros ($27) Cool- climate Carneros fruit brings out the juicy style and crisp acid structure in this racy Chard. 92 Balletto Vineyards 2015 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley ($28) The only winery we know of with its own regulation-sized baseball field. Racy RRV acidity and bright, silky texture. A wonderful wine for the right price. 92 Ladera Vineyards 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley ($30) Silky grapefruit and lively acidity; racy, nervy and fresh with tangy, lifted style; juicy and long with balance and finesse. 90 MacRostie 2015 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley ($34) Juicy and fresh with crisp fruit and bright acidity; silky and balanced, tangy and lively, long and racy. 92 Donati Family Vineyard 2013 The Immigrant, Paicines ($35) From a little-known AVA in San Benito County. Earthy and fresh with stylish, tangy plum and blackberry; plenty of finesse now, but give it time. 78% Merlot, 9% Malbec, 9% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc. 92 Presqu'ile 2015 Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley ($35) Silky and smooth with a core of bright acidity on the entry; the follow-through is all balance and finesse, bright and full with racy structure. 93 Quivira Vineyards 2014 Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley ($25) Deep ruby color ; lovely berry nose; smooth, lush and ripe with blackberry and boysenberry fruit; juicy with hints of chocolate and spice. V2 WINE GROUP 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.bluelifestyle.com. Prices are for 750 ml. bottles unless otherwise noted. Anthony Dias BLUE REVIEWS Presented by