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/128596
FOUR STARS #### (91) Frog's Leap La Grenouille Rouganté Rosé (Valdiguie 82%, Zinfandel 18%) 2012 (California). "The Blushing Frog" shows a lot of depth, character and freshness at the same time, with an amazing 11.2% alcohol - a perfect summer rosé. Beyond refreshing, it is mineral with a great balance of flavors from orange peel to small berries and melon; light pink in color with a hint of violet. ($18) #### (91) Mobius Pinot Noir 2008 (California). Second label to the Mantra series of wines from Mike Kuimelis and his father; growers since the 1970s, they made the switch to winemaking in 2000, and specialize in the better Sonoma AVAs; lighter style, rich, dark-cherry notes, hints of vanilla and a smooth, silky finish. ($30) #### (91) Anam Cara Nicholas Estate Pinot Noir 2010 (Oregon). Fresh red berries and plums followed by light spice notes; good length on the finish; pairs well with grilled meats and fish as well as pasta and hearty stews. ($32) #### (91) Pilot Knob Viognier 2012 (Texas). Fourth-generation French grower meets the Texas Hill country; 100% Texas fruit; great introduction to this nice summer varietal; R ATING S YSTEM ##### FIVE STARS (92-100) A topflight wine. Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price/value relationship. #### FOUR STARS (86-91) A very good wine and an excellent value. A wine for which customers will keep coming back. ### THREE STARS (80-85) An aboveaverage wine, at a reasonable price point, which many customers will enjoy. ## TWO STARS (70-79) An average wine. # ONE STAR (50-69) A below-average wine. lighter style, with a hint of sweetness; pineapple, orange blossom, nectarines and peach flavors dominate. ($32) #### (91) Bogle Essential Red 2011 (California). A great blend of old vine zinfandel, petite sirah and cabernet sauvignon; medium bodied; ripe black cherry and black raspberry fruits with balanced spice and tannins; try with grilled meats, grilled veggies. ($13) #### (91) Acrobat Pinot Noir Rosé 2011 (Oregon). Green apples and pears with great balance wonderful acidity. ($14) #### (91) Brassfield High Serenity Pinot Noir 2010 (California). Earthy tones upfront on the nose lead to a rich velvety cassis and cherry notes; great acidity and a good amount of tannins make this wine a must for patio and the grill. ($14) #### (91) Buena Vista The Count Sonoma Red Blend 2008 (California). This easy drinking red features aromas of black currant and cherries with smooth flavors of plum and blackberry and a silky finish. ($23) #### (91) Seaglass Santa Barbara County Sauvignon Blanc 2011 (California). Beautiful wine with the typical aroma of grapefruit but also of pear; the pear really becomes more prominent in the flavor followed by grapefruit and dusty granny smith apple; monster Sauvignon Blanc to pair with any vegetables you throw on the grill. ($10) #### (91) Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen Eroica 2011 (Washington State). Fresh and crisp, featuring citrus and mineral notes. ($20) #### (91) Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (New Zealand). Green apple and pear give way to classic New Zealand grapefruit; a medium to full bodied wine with great acidity. ($11) #### (91) Frog's Leap Napa Valley Zinfandel 2010 (California). This Zinfandel is subtle yet satisfying; layers of berry fruit and moments of overripe plum and cassis round out the palate; soft tannin backbone and 48 • Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • May/June 2013 mild acidity complement a wide range of food options. ($27) #### (91) Col de L'Orb St Chinian Rosé 2012 (France). A fresh spring breeze floats from the glass and turns to crisp, juicy red berries and floral notes with a soft landing to a pure, clean pink grapefruit and fennel infused finish. ($18) #### (91) Jason Stephens Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (California). Deep garnet in color, with dense aromas of dried berries, cherries and a touch of eucalyptus and chocolate fudge; medium bodied on the palate with ripe and rich flavors of