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/143145
RETAILER WINESELECTIONS The Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel recommends a lineup of top quality/value merlots. For this issue, we asked members of the Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel to recommend some of their favorite merlots. 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@specialtyim.com. FIVE STARS ##### (95) Pedestal Columbia Valley Merlot 2009 (Washington State). This blockbuster Merlot showcases the depth and complexity Merlot can achieve in Washington State. Packed with black fruit, cocoa powder accents and plenty of spice, there's nice lift and a juicy berry quality on the finish. ($60) ##### (95) Rutherford Hill Barrel Select Red Blend 2008 (California). Made from 77% merlot, 14% cabernet sauvignon, 9% cabernet franc; beautifully structured with an intense floral bouquet and lush black fruit flavors; aging for 21 months in French barriques adds soft, silky tannins for perfect balance; nice now, it will cellar for several years for optimum enjoyment. ($30) ##### (95) Frog's Leap Merlot 2010 (California). Sustainable farming reveals a very rich merlot; flavors of chocolate and blueberries with balanced acidity; delicious. ($40) ##### (93) Charles Krug Napa Valley Merlot 2010 (California). A serious merlot aged in 20 months of French oak; rich, intense and polished with blueberry, blackberry, black cherry and mocha flavors that come together perfectly giving way to a 20-second long finish showing undertones of vanilla and cedar. ($20) ##### (93) Brian Carter Le Coursier 2008 (Washington State). Brian Carter continues to craft beautiful wines that express the Columbia Valley terrior perfectly; exceptionally well balanced with firm, but ripe tannins, a crisp and refreshing acidity, and lovely flavors that run the gamut from darker black fruits to ripe red berries interwoven with subtle notes of cedar and vanilla. ($33) ##### (93) Cheslea Goldschmidt Alexander Valley Merlot 2011 (California). The100% merlot is impressive; bright cherry fruit, herbs and zesty spice. Balanced with a seamless texture; excellent food wine. ($18) 38 • Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • July/August 2013 ##### (93) Line 39 Central Coast Merlot 2011 (California). Soft and ripe on the nose and palate with hints of blueberry, black cherry, and plum; a bit of coffee/mocha balances with supple tannins on the finish; lovely and easy-to-enjoy, it's also an excellent value. ($12) ##### (93) Chateau Barrail Chevrol Fronsac Bordeaux 2010 (France). Made from 80% merlot, 15% cabernet franc, 5% cabernet sauvignon in a very classic and classy style; aromas of wildflower, blackberry, and "La Garrigue" lead to rich flavors of cassis and other black fruits with nuances of Fronsac's earthiness; while the wine is delightful now, you'll be rewarded by 3-5 years of cellaring. ($14) ##### (92) Seavy Napa Valley Merlot 2007 (California). Excellent extraction and color, smooth integrated balanced tannins behind the big refined fruits; hint of cedar and pencil lead behind the raspberries and blackberries; fine finish. ($46)