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
##### (92) J. Lohr Paso Robles Merlot 2010 (California). Medium-bodied wine with concentrated depth; raspberry and red currant undertones; smooth tannins; perfect with grilled meats. ($16) ##### (92) Otis Kenyon Walla Walla Merlot 2010 (Washington State). This is a powerful styled merlot that manages to retain a great degree of elegance and grace; intense flavors of brambly blueberry and cedar open up to a dark, richly flavored and long-lasting finish. ($30) ##### (92) Sheridan Mystique 2011 (Washington State). There is a huge core of blackberries, currants, figs, and clove; the rich fruit flavors combine nicely with dense and polished tannins to give this wine a beautiful and firm texture. ($30) ##### (92) Reynolds Family Winery Stags Leap Merlot 2008 (California). From the famous Stags Leap District vineyards, this elegant merlot has a nose of bright blueberries and vanilla with a touch of dark cherries and subtle smoky characteristics; although spicy in the front of the pallet, it has a soft and silky finish.($54) 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. ##### (92) Markham Napa Valley Merlot 2010 (California). A merlot that in some ways shows as a cabernet; round, luscious fruit with a balanced tannic structure add to the beautiful mouthfeel; the mid-palate offers plum and currant with a pleasing slightly coffee finish; delicious. ($23) ##### (92) Artesa Elements Sonoma Merlot 2010 (California). Raspberry and cherry complemented by spice and vanilla; soft tannins round out a delicious merlot. ($16) ##### (92) Matanzas Creek Winery Bennett Valley Sonoma Merlot 2007 (California). This Bennett Valley merlot is made from 85% merlot plus about 15% cabernet sauvignon from Knights Valley; classic merlot aromas of red currant and fresh herbs - thyme, sage - plus a dusting of clove leading to bright and juicy flavors of black currant, blueberry, licorice and spice; loads of juicy acidity for a California merlot make this a nice, palatecleansing match for richer meat dishes. ($24) ##### (92) Cousino Macul Don Matias Reserva Merlot 2011 (Chile). Wonderfully balanced, this full-bodied merlot is loaded with aromas of ripe plums, raspberry and spice; aged eight months in French oak, which adds subtle cedar notes and softens the tannins leading to a long, refined finish. ($15) FOUR STARS #### (91) Decoy Sonoma County Merlot 2010 (California). This is a wonderfully constructed merlot, with balanced fruit and tannin; very subtle berry fruit with a slight hint of cedar give a nice complexity to this merlot. ($24) #### (91) Milbrandt Vineyards The Estates Wahluke Slope Merlot 2010 (Washington State). A cab lover's merlot; big and powerful with complex black fruit flavors on a medium-bodied frame. ($23) #### (91) Kestrel Yakima Valley Merlot 2009 (Washington State). Yakima Valley may currently be producing some of the best merlot in the wine world; this way over-delivers with intense and full-bodied flavors of black cherry and blueberry with notes of clove to add complexity; the tannins are nicely integrated and play off the fruit flavors beautifully. ($20) #### (91) Martin Ray Oak Knoll Reserve Merlot 2011 (California). Excellent merlot from and under-appreciated area for the varietal; cool afternoon breezes let this Merlot retain great freshness; a bold and concentrated wine, with a zippy-ness that sets it apart from many. ($22) #### (91) Angel's Landing Napa Valley Merlot 2009 (California). Shows the depth and complexity of a fine Bordeaux, with mocha and cocoa tinted flavors of ripe black fruits that build layer upon layer across the palate; firm tannins provide excellent structure, and everything is tastefully balanced. ($19) #### (91) Cape Diamond Merlot 2009 (Oregon). The bouquet seems subtle at first, but gets quite complex, with wood spice and earth tones mingling with blueberry and plum, and there are some exotic notes as well; medium-full, round and beautifully balanced, the palate maintains a subtle but complex dance of juicy Asian plum, blueberry, light oak and savory spice flavors. ($13) Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • July/August 2013 • 39