Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/898117
72 / the tasting panel / november 2017 J. Wilkes 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles Highlands District, California ($30) Deep, poetic notes of nutmeg, violets, and mocha oak on the nose lead to a mouth-filling texture that washes across the palate in a juicy flow of ripe black berry fruit, graphite, dusted cocoa, and chalky tannins. Expressively sleek and a great match with all ranges of food. 93 THE THORNHILL COMPANIES Trenza Winery 2013 Tinto, San Luis Obispo County ($35) From the Niven fam- ily, who craft a great array of varieties in Edna Valley and along the Central Coast, comes this line of wines that offers intriguing New World blends. Tinto is 50% Syrah from the cool Edna Valley and 50% Tempranillo from warmer Arroyo Grande. Winemaker Christian Roguenant masters a deliciously-plush small- production wine that weaves in cassis liqueur, mocha, and spiced berries. 92 Foley Estates 2015 Syrah, Sta. Rita Hills, California ($45) With a nose of peppered plums, tobacco, and violets, this intriguing red is why this region excels for Rhône varieties. Slate and violets are textural on the palate. A pop of dark chocolate espresso is vivid, and along with deep blackberry, white pepper, and cigar leaf, the wine speaks a myriad of expressions. 95 FOLEY FAMILY WINES Ingleside Vineyards 2014 Petit Verdot, Virginia ($38) This blend of 75% Petit Verdot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc was one of the dozen 2017 Virginia Governor's Cup Case® winners. Intense but restrained notes of black currant on the nose. Teeth-grabbing tannins lead to earth tones laced with spiced blue flowers and minerality. 92 Scala Dei 2014 Cartoixa, Priorat D.O.Q., Spain ($55) A blend of hand- harvested Garnacha Tinta and Cariñena from vines on steep hillsides aged up to 60 years old. Aromas of tilled soil with violets is inviting and deep. On the palate, the minerality joins the bittersweet plum skin notes and spiced cranberry. Lush and filled with sunshine and earth, its round body adheres to a boysenberry ripeness. 94 AVENÍU BRANDS Velenosi 2012 Roggio del Filare Rosso Piceno Superiore, Marche DOC, Italy ($55) A blend of Montepulciano and Sangiovese aged in French oak for 12–18 months. Aromas of earthy chocolate and plum brandy lead to defined elegance on the palate. Lilac, jasmine, and sweet Rainier cherry are satin-lined. Deeper flavors of ground espresso beans and bittersweet dark chocolate amplify, while black plums intensify towards an exotic patchouli finish. 95 DOMAINE SELECT WINE & SPIRITS 4.5 smooches Abbot's Passage 2014 Due West Nuns Canyon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Moon Mountain District, Sonoma County ($85) This new project from sixth-generation vintner Katie Bundschu is a collection of small lot, co-fermented field blends sourced from single vineyards in Sonoma County. Vines are situated on red volcanic soil at an elevation of 1,400 feet, and the wine is aged 20 months in thin-stave French oak. The nose immediately impresses with dense black fruit and exotic sandalwood. The lush palate opens with chocolate-fudge grainy tannins, violets, and mountain brush. The fruit is beautiful and accents a core of fresh soil. 95 Shafer Vineyards 2013 Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley ($285) One of Napa Valley's most notable 100% Cabernet Sauvignons, aged 32 months in 100% new 60-gallon French oak. Big, inviting aromas of balsamic and cherry-wood welcome a palate of mountain brush, tilled soil, blackberry, and eucalyptus. A core of minerality swathes the tongue through to the Stags Leap characteristic satin finish. 96 Echo Bay 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand ($16 ) From the cool growing season on New Zealand's South Island, this pale straw-hued floral beauty is crafted by esteemed Winemaker Nick Goldschmidt. Dill, chervil and salted pineapple permeate the nose – and although there are some grassy elements, there are more tropical tones, along with iconic gooseberry and ripe melon. Balanced and fresh on the palate. 90 TRINCHERO FAMILY ESTATES Publisher's PICKS