Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/856981
august 2017 / the tasting panel / 69 91 La Crema 2015 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast ($25) Deep ruby color ; smooth and lush, juicy and savory; ripe black cherry with tangy fruit and lush texture. JACKSON FAMILY WINES 91 Mettler Family Vineyards 2014 Epicenter Old Vine Zinfandel, Lodi ($25) Deep and lush with soft spice; rich plum and black currant flavors. A classic Lodi statement. 91 Sarah's Vineyard 2014 Estate Pinot Noir, Santa Clara Valley ($44) Bright cherry and hints of earth and black raspberry mark this accomplished Pinot; tangy and fresh with depth and fine structure. 90 Fel Wines 2015 Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley ($38) Smooth, juicy and bright with tangy Anderson Valley cherry fruit; spicy, fresh and tangy; lively and balanced. LEDE FAMILY WINES 91 Cutruzzola Vineyards 2013 Giacomino Reserve Pinot Noir, San Luis Obispo ($55) Who knew Paso could do Pinot? Silky texture and fresh cherry fruit; tangy and long with racy acidity and a balanced finish. 90 Lenne Estate 2014 Karen's Pommard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Yamhill-Carlton ($55) Burgundy in the Willamette. Silky and smooth with black cherry and dense, ripe fruit; lush and nicely finished. 93 Austin Hope 2014 Estate Syrah, Paso Robles ($55) One of Paso's most accomplished vintners. Spicy and toasted with ripe blackberry and cassis; juicy and balanced, long and totally charming. HOPE FAMILY WINES 92 Pedestal 2014 Merlot, Columbia Valley ($65) A typical Michel Rolland production with deep ruby color ; smooth and lush with velvety texture; deep, dark, long and lovely. LONG SHADOWS VINTNERS 93 Duckhorn 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($75) Dusky, dark and juicy with keen acidity and tangy fruit; classic, supple and silky with great balance and fresh style. 93 Bella Union 2014 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($85) Another upscale label from the people behind Far Niente and Nickel & Nickel. Lush and balanced with depth and finesse; lots of tangy style and juicy, rich fruit. 93 Beaulieu Vineyard 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Clone 4, Napa Valley ($165) Bright, rich and lush with sweet plum and berry fruit; ripe and juicy with dense structure and subtle herbs. TREASURY WINE ESTATES IMPORTS 89 PIerre Sparr 2015 Pinot Blanc, Alsace, France ($17) Fresh and crisp with racy acidity; tropical fruit and citrus flavors; silky and smooth. WILSON DANIELS 90 Masseria Li Veli 2015 Canale di Pirro Verdeca, Valle d'Itria IGT, Italy ($18) This white grape from Puglia is rather uncommon. Smooth and minerally with spice and ripe tropical fruit; showing depth and complex flavors of pear and spice. LI VELI USA 90 Amisfield 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, Central Otago, New Zealand ($25) Bright citrus and peach are markers for this South Island Sauv Blanc; tangy, lively and racy; snappy and long. USA WINE WEST 91 Marchesi de' Frescobaldi 2012 Castello Nipozzano, Chianti Rúfina Riserva DOCG, Italy ($30) Bright berry fruit and crisp acidity; another winner from one of Italy's finest and most historic producers; racy, lively and long; have it with pizza—we did! Sangiovese, Malvasia Nera, Colorino, Canaiolo. FOLIO FINE WINE PARTNERS 92 Famille Perrin 2014 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Sinards, France ($38) Complex and rounded with depth of rich plum and blackberry fruit; dense, spicy and supple. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvédre. VINEYARD BRANDS