Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/8594
BLUE REVIEWS Donum Estate 2007 Pinot Noir, Estate, West Slope Vineyard, Carneros ($70) Dense and lush with ripe black cherry and rich texture; concentrated and complex with spice, tangy acidity and lovely fi nesse; long and balanced. 92 A. RACKE ($115) Plush and juicy Cabernet Sauvignon with bright plum and smooth, velvety texture; supple, dense and long with fi rm acidity, generous fl avors and excellent balance; great aging potential. 95 IMPORTS Frazier Winery 2006 Memento, Napa Valley 89 92 Moriette Vouvray, France ($16) Toasty and rich with fl oral notes and rich orange and peach fruit; ripe, tangy and off-dry with loads of charm and complexity; a good value, as well. VINEYARD BRANDS 89 90 Grey’s Peak 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, Waipara, New Zealand ($17) Bright and racy with zesty citrus, spritz and pure acidity; long, edgy and very fresh with spice, herbs and a sleek fi nish. THE COUNTRY VINTNER Terras Gauda 2008 Albariño, Abadia de San Campio, Estate, Rias Baixas ($20) Juicy and aromatic with racy acidity and clean, lively fruit; nervy, fresh and long with zippy style. 89 AVENÍU BRANDS 90 Jorge Ordoñez 2006 Moscatel Victoria, #2, Malaga, Spain ($20) Golden and clear, aromatic with rich, creamy texture; lush and juicy with a long, opulent fi nish. TEMPRANILLO, INC. 70 / the tasting panel / april 2010 Domaine Pichot 2008 Domaine Le Peu de la 89 Neil Ellis Wines 2007 Elgin Shiraz, South Africa ($20) Smooth and dense with blackberry and notes of chocolate; rich, earthy and balanced with style and breeding. VINEYARD BRANDS G .D. Vajra 2007 Dolcetto d’Alba, Italy ($22) Juicy and racy with raspberry and lively acidity; minerally, dense and nervy with great balance and style. RINASCIMENTO WINE COMPANY Jacob’s Creek 2005 Centenary Hill Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia ($42) Dark and rich with a lush ripe nose; dense and toasted with plum ,fruitcake, soft tannins and lovely complexity; aged vine style with amazing opulence and spice; long, deep and balanced. PERNOD RICARD USA 90 91 Graham’s Tawny Port Aged 20 Years, Porto, Portugal ($57) Light ruby color; rich rancio and berry nose; silky and toasty with bright acidity and lovely structure; elegant, complex and long. PREMIUM PORT WINES Roberto Mazzi 2003 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Cru Castel, Italy ($65) Smooth and dense with some drying tannins but plenty of lush, ripe plum and raspberry fruit; balanced, complex and deep with good acid structure and a long, elegant fi nish. MICHAEL SKURNIK WINES 95 Etko NV Commandaria Centurion, Cyprus ($130) Where has this wine been all my life? Silky and intense with deep amber color and notes of candied apricot and prunes; long, elegant fl avors and lovely notes of rancio and spice; similar in style to a 20-year tawny only richer. WONDERFUL ETHNIC, INC. Lumina Pinot Grigio, Venezia- Giulia, Italy ($10) Smooth and juicy with ripe pear and citrus with nice aromatics; bright 88 acidity, good length and a balanced fi nish. CONSTELLATION WINE US Ginger Wine, London, England ($12) Ruddy amber color; spicy nose with silky texture and hot ginger fl avor underlaid by sweet, bright fruity wine; very spicy and unique. Made from currants. 90 89 Seven Hills Winery 2008 Riesling, Willard, Snipes Vineyard, Columbia Valley ($14) Fresh and bright with peach, granny smith, citrus and racy acidity; lively and balanced with dry, juicy style. Stone’s NV Original Green Ruffino 2008 VALUE AND BY-THE-GLASS RECOMMENDATIONS Monterey ($10) Fresh and dense with good extraction and ripe fruit; juicy and balanced with nice length and style. First vintage. GUGLIELMO WINERY 88 Viña Calina 2009 Chardonnay Reserva, Valle de Casablanca, Chile ($10) Bright and juicy with tangy acidity and fresh fruit fl avors; citrus and soft oak with good structure and a long fi nish. JACKSON FAMILY WINES 88 Blanc, Monterey ($10) Smooth and tangy with creamy texture and bright, pure acidity; balanced and juicy with lovely fl avors and a long fi nish. TRINCHERO FAMILY ESTATES 89 Trinchero 2008 Main Street Estate Sauvignon TRÉ 2008 Chardonnay,