Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/869846
68 / the tasting panel / september 2017 DOMESTIC 88 Edna Valley Vineyard 2016 Pinot Grigio, California ($14) Bright, spicy nose from a region long known for its quality grapes; aromatic with ripe fruit and notes of ear th; refreshing, balanced and long. E. & J. GALLO 91 Wente Vineyards 2015 Riva Ranch Chardonnay, Arroyo Seco ($22) Lush, creamy and rich from the family who practically invented California Chardonnay; soft and juicy with intense flavors; long and impressive at a good price. WENTE FAMILY ESTATES 92 Miner Family Winery 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley ($22) Smooth and peachy with silky texture and clean, invigorating style from winery with nine vineyard sites; bright, tangy and racy with balance, bracing flavors and good length. 91 Gundlach Bundschu 2016 Estate Gewürztraminer, Sonoma ($25) From California's oldest continuously family-owned winery; rose petal nose; lush and spicy with off-dry style; round, fresh and balanced; long and charming. 91 Flora Springs 2016 Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley ($25) Pleasant and luscious with bright citrus, ripe fruit and mineral notes; balanced with fresh, layered flavors. 90 Trefethen 2016 Dry Riesling, Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley ($25) From a classic winery on the National Register of Historic Places; crisp and juicy with racy acidity and lively citrus; fresh and tangy with nervy style. 93 Morgan 2015 Highland Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands ($28) Barrel-fermented in 32% new French oak with a vanilla and spiced nose; silky and lush with rich pear and citrus; elegant and balanced, graceful and long with ample depth. 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