Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/898117
66 / the tasting panel / november 2017 DOMESTIC 98 Dominus Estate 2014 Napanook, Napa Valley ($219) Christian Moueix showing us how it's done with this blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc; exquisite with a defined finesse; structured yet smooth and lush; lovely now, but should last 30 years. MAISONS MARQUES & DOMAINES 88 Bogle Vineyards 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, California ($10) Bright, clean, and fresh with racy acidity; smooth and long with a touch of sweetness; another surprising value from this consistent producer. 88 Steele Wines 2015 Shooting Star Zinfandel, Mendocino County ($14) Smooth and juicy with ripe berry fruit and good balance from a line meant to be enjoyed while young; an everyday wine with substance. 92 Murphy-Goode 2014 Chardonnay, California ($14) The label is retro but the wine is thoroughly modern: silky and fresh with seamless, juicy, and tangy pear fruit lightly kissed by vanilla; what a price! 90 Harken 2016 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay, California ($15) Glossy, lush, and rich with sweet oak and vanilla; all the elements of wines offered at three times the price; stylish and long. 90 Pedroncelli Winery 2015 Mother Clone Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley ($19) Smooth and fresh from a longtime Sonoma producer ; juicy berry fruit and a clean, balanced style; bright blackberry and spice. 90 Meiomi 2016 Chardonnay, California ($21) Greenish gold color with a ripe nose; clean and sleek; sweet with silky texture and subtle acidity; refreshing, juicy, and long from a winery that balances the best fruit of Sonoma, Monterey, and Santa Barbara counties. 90 Cellardoor Winery 2013 Iron Gate Premium Bordeaux Blend, USA ($30) Creamy and lush from a winery in Maine with grapes sourced from Washington State; a delightful medium-bodied Bordeaux blend with a tangy style, silky texture, and good length. 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