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.
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nicely concentrated texture that will go great with grilled meats. ($14) #### (90) Starmont Napa Valley Merlot 2009 (California). From Merryvale Winery, this is a rich merlot with cherry, currant, clove, toasty oak and vanilla notes; a long finish. ($20) #### (90) Rust En Vrede Stellenbosch Merlot 2011 (South Africa). Great dark color, nose of cassis, a hint of dark berries and spice, very dry but with generous smooth tannins; a cabernet drinker's merlot; mouthwatering and velvety. ($22) #### (90) Crosby Merlot 2011 (California). Not a well-know name but a constant performer; smooth and easy; ripe and smooth tannins; a good choice for everyday drinking. ($9) #### (90) Bogle Merlot 2010 (California). Easy to find and very approachable; ripe berry aromas and silky flavors that last. ($9) #### (90) Lindeman's Limestone Coast Reserve Merlot 2009 (Australia). A bang for your buck; aromatic, sweet dark cherry; medium body and easy tannins; affordable merlot from Down Under ($9) #### (90) Grayson Cellars Merlot 2011 (California). Always over-delivers for its price point; the quality and structure of this wine is wonderful; rich tannins intermingled with cassis and berries. ($9) #### (89) Running With Scissors Merlot 2011 (California). Ripe blackberry and mocha flavors intertwine nicely with a subtle earthiness on the palate. The fruit flavors are intense, but the cool climate in the Central Coast keeps everything pleasantly fresh. ($11) #### (89) Glass Mountain Merlot 2009 (California). Black cherry, pepper and spicy red licorice aromas. Dark fruits like black cherry and blackberry with soft tannins but a dry finish; well balanced. ($8) #### (89) Compass Merlot 2010 (California). Spicy dark berry on the nose; bold flavors of blackberry, leather and smoky cherries; rich but with a dry dusty finish. ($13) #### (89) Ballard Lane Paso Robles Merlot 2010 (California). This Bordeaux-styled merlot (81% merlot, 19% cabernet franc) has good structure, with 16 month oak aging; crisp acidity balanced by fruit tones of cherry, red currants, and plums in a softer lighter style; good first merlot for the novice consumer. ($19) #### (89) Montoya Merlot 2010 (California). The palate shows ripe and balanced flavors of dried cranberry with some darker blackberry flavors interwoven; a subtle herbaceous note the keeps it interesting. ($14) black fruit flavors; the tannins are present, which gives this wine a firmness that you don't always find in merlot. ($13) #### (88) Le Cluzet 2009 Bordeaux (France). Made from 75% merlot and 25% cabernet sauvignon, this garnet-colored wine possesses lovely plum and cranberry aromas along with some savory spice notes; fresh, dry and a touch tart on the palate, with juicy red fruit flavors bolstered by some snappy acidity; medium bodied and maintains quite good balance right through the finish. ($9) #### (88) Nice Legs Merlot 2009 (California). The bouquet is very mild but there are some nicely creamy cassis aromas; medium bodied and nicely round on the palate, with tasty red and black cherry flavors that gain intensity and depth across the palate; good balance and length. ($10) #### (88) La Playa Block Selection Block Number 10 Reserve Merlot 2010 (Chile). Smooth, soft, flavorful and an outstanding value; hard to find this much flavor at such a low price. ($11) #### (89) Josh Cellars Merlot 2011 (California). A bold merlot with rich plum and cherry flavors accented by a touch of Maximize your positive press from your feature in oak; a long soft finish. ($15) #### (89) Script & Seal Merlot 2010 (Washington State). A nicely elegant style of merlot; some subtle hints of dried oregano and rosemary add complexity to the riper Reprints Maximize the marketing power of your feature. Eprint Give your feature a presence on the World Wide Web. Fame Frame TM Transform your feature into an impressive work of art with a customized wall plaque. For custom reprints of articles in this magazine contact: Cheryl Naughton, Specialty Information Media (678) 292-6054 or cnaughton@specialtyim.com Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • July/August 2013 • 41