Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/960891
86 / the tasting panel / april 2018 DOMESTIC 97 Cardinale 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($275) Bright ruby color with a soft plum nose; bright cherry and boysenberry with notes of vanilla, toast, and spice; deep, intense, and ageworthy. Another Chris Carpenter masterpiece that's incredibly elegant, precise, and generous. 94 Cordon 2016 White Hawk Vineyard Syrah, Santa Barbara ($32) Smooth and spicy with clean, rich blackberry and toast; long and balanced; a lovely wine from star winemaker Etienne Terlinden. HOLLYWOOD AND WINE 92 FEL Wines 2016 Chardonnay, Anderson Valley ($32) Made by the Mendocino subsidiary of Napa's Cliff Lede Vineyards; a tangy nose preceding bright acidity and lively citrus fruit; a crisp, modern, stylish wine with plenty of depth and finesse. 93 Merry Edwards 2014 Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley ($48) Rich, creamy, and ripe; sweet and balanced with dense flavors and Sauvignon spice; lush and balanced with Sauternes- like finesse. 93 Flora Springs 2015 Trilogy, Napa Valley ($85) Lush and sumptuous with dense plum and berry fruit and a smooth texture; deep and showing promise for long aging. An unctuous addition to a series dating back to 1984. 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