Beverage Dynamics is the largest national business magazine devoted exclusively to the needs of off-premise beverage alcohol retailers, from single liquor stores to big box chains, through coverage of the latest trends in wine, beer and spirits.
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/116557
RETAILER WINESELECTIONS The Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel recommends a lineup of top quality/value chardonnays. For this issue, we asked members of the Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel to recommend some of their favorite chardonnays. As always, these selections include brief tasting notes, a rating and the wine's retail price (which varies from store to store and market to market). If you're a retail beverage professional who would like to learn about participating in our panel, call Richard Brandes at 212-353-3832, or email him at rbrandes@m2media360.com. FIVE STARS ##### (96) Peter Michael Belle Cote Chardonnay 2010 (California). Sweet lemon and floral notes; intense flavors with hints of licorice and tropical flavors; luxurious and graceful in the mouth with a long finish. ($90) ##### (95) Knights Bridge Vineyards Knights Valley West Block Chardonnay 2010 (California). Golden yellow, with heavy legs; toasted bread with hints of sweet stone fruits, white peaches and citrus; pear cooked with vanilla hints; generous but not too buttery and big; balanced acidity and fine long finish that lingers. ($66) ##### (94) Domaine Jolly Chablis 2010 (France). Classic Chablis with aromas and flavors of fresh green apple and not-quite-ripe pear combined with a rich yet not buttery mouthfeel; on the finish, that unique and wonderful minerality found only in Chablis lingers; great with lobster. ($25) ##### (94) Morgan Metallico Un-oaked Chardonnay 2011 (California). A lovely bouquet of under-ripe tropical fruit and wildflower leads to a palate of pear, peach, and citrus with a hint of minerality reminiscent of a good Chablis; dry, crisp and racy on the finish with great length. ($24) ##### (93) Stuhlmuller Vineyards Alexander Valley Estate Chardonnay 2010 (California). Lovely citrus and lemon custard aromas; flavors of pineapple, pear, orange and apple are revealed on the palate; long subtle finish from the French oak and sur lie aging process. ($30) ##### (93) Joseph Drouhin Drouhin-Vaudon Chablis Premier Cru 2010 (France). Bright yellowgold in the glass, there is plenty of white peach, with notes of grapefruit and orange blossom on the nose; on the palate the refinement and elegance reveal layers of flavors and an evolving texture; stunning now, it will continue to evolve for the next few years. ($39) ##### (93) Domaine Saumaize Michelin Pouilly-Fuissé 2010 70 • Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • March/April 2013 (France). Beautiful aromatic nose full of flowers and stone fruits; the palate is rich and creamy without being overpowered by oak; energetic acidity from start to finish making it a wonderful food wine. ($30) ##### (93) Newton Red Label Chardonnay 2009 (California). Rich mouthfeel gives way to peaches, lemon curd, and pineapple as the toasted oak and cream notes delight the senses. ($22) ##### (93) Dutton Estate Russian River Chardonnay 2010 (California). Tropical nose and flavors lead to an elegant, smooth and lingering finish. ($30) ##### (93) J. Lohr Arroyo Vista Monterey Chardonnay 2011 (California). Hand-harvested at night, the rich fruit provides an elegant almost Burgundian structure; ripe pear and apple, roasted nuts and butterscotch, and hints of vanilla; California's best interpretation of the classic French model. ($28) ##### (93) Girard Russian River Sonoma Chardonnay 2010