The Tasting Panel magazine

May 2018

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may 2018  /  the tasting panel  /  71 91 Three Sticks Wines 2016 Durell Vineyard Pinot Blanc, Sonoma Coast ($50) Polished and creamy with a core of crisp acidity; balanced and elegant with considerable depth. It's nice to see an influential winery paying attention to this underrated variety. 93 Three Sticks Wines 2016 PFV Estate Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast ($65) A deep ruby blend of fruit from Three Sticks' estate vineyards; bright, fresh, and tangy cherry fruit; smooth texture and juicy notes; ripe and generous with a lasting finish. 92 The Prisoner Wine Company 2016 Saldo Zinfandel, Northern California, USA ($32) Rich and spicy nose; dense, earthy, and tangy. The Prisoner strikes again: yet another winner from this mysterious producer and its winemaker Chrissy Wittmann. CONSTELLATION BRANDS 91 Ponzi Vineyards 2015 45th Anniversary Reserve Chardonnay, Willamette Valley ($40) Silky and rounded with juicy and lush style. The Ponzis have been at it for a long time (45 years to be exact) and daughter Luisa has assumed winemaking duties. This cool-climate release demonstrates subtlety and finesse. VINTUS WINES 93 Villa Ragazzi 2014 Faraona, Napa Valley ($54) Vivid color ; smooth and clean with tangy berry fruit and lush texture and depth; a stunning blend that preserves the character of the two components (75% Sangiovese and 25% Cabernet). 93 Shafer Vineyards 2015 One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District ($95) Rich vanilla and plum nose; silky texture with tightly-wound fruit and lush, graceful style; elegant, long, and neatly balanced. IMPORTED 90 Gustave Lorentz NV Crémant d'Alsace AOC, France ($30) Lively pink hue; smooth, dry, and tangy; a stylish sparkler with finesse and depth from an Alsatian family that's been involved in winemaking since 1836. QUINTESSENTIAL WINES 92 Château La Nerthe 2016 AOP Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France ($60) Creamy and complex with minerality and floral notes; rich, aromatic, and elegant; a fine example from this great appellation. KOBRAND WINE & SPIRITS 92 Château Lascombes 2015 Margaux AOC, France ($125) Smooth, juicy, and nicely structured; 55% Merlot, 45% Cab. Elegant, but give it time to mature. Kosher. ROYAL WINE CORP. 93 Elvi Wines Clos Mesorah 2014 Montsant DO, Spain ($70) Earthy nose; smooth and spicy with blackberry and cherry fruit; a kosher wine made by a Sephardic family expelled from Spain in the late 15th century who later returned to claim their former vineyards. ROYAL WINE CORP. 91 Gush Etzion Winery 2012 Blessed Valley Special Reserve Red, Judean Hills, Israel ($60) Dark ruby color ; silky with nuanced flavor, depth, and intensity; bright, balanced, and long. Kosher. ROYAL WINE CORP . 95 Penner-Ash Wine Cellars 2015 Pas de Nom Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley ($125) Smooth and succulent with cherry notes; elegant, classic, and Burgundian; savory, balanced, and refined; a stunning example of what Oregon winemaking can accomplish. JACKSON FAMILY WINES

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