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/172332
RETAILER WINESELECTIONS The Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel recommends a lineup of top quality/value cabernet sauvignons. For this issue, we asked members of the Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel to recommend some of their favorite cabernet sauvignons. 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) Mark Ryan Dead Horse Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). Opaque purple color followed by a sweet, ripe nose of black currants, floral scents, licorice, and vanillin; exhibiting plenty of cassis fruit, this pure, dense, concentrated, full-bodied yet elegant wine should drink well for 8-10 years. ($50) (95) Obelisco Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (Washington State). Grown on a small 30 acre vineyard in red granite; full bodied and rich with a velvety mouthfeel; dark cherry, raspberry, and ripe currant with a dusty and restrained tannins on the finish; beautiful. ($43) (95) Artesa Artisan Series Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (California). Artesa is located in a cooler part of the Napa Valley, and this elegant, supple wine reflects that choice of location; the nose and palate offer up plenty of bright black fruits, with edges of spice and oak; the tannins are well balanced with good acidity and plenty of fruit. ($46) (95) Col Solare Columbia Valley Red Wine 2008 (Washington State). This blend is two-thirds cabernet, giving it weight and structure; fter nearly two years in barrel, the tannins are soft and accessible; lots of black fruit on the nose and palate, make for a rich, full bodied glass of superb red wine. ($75) (94) Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). The Robert Mondavi winery has been producing benchmark Napa Valley Cabernets for generations; this is no exception; the wine reflects the 2010 vintage, showing lots of dark fruit on the nose, and a richness on the palate; the fruit is balanced by spice, texture and acid; a very fair price for an outstanding wine. ($28) oak barrels, lending an "Old World" nuance to the wine; however, the rich floral aromas and ripe, mouth-filling black fruit flavors are all Alexander Valley; stunning. ($25) (94) J. Lohr 7 Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). Rich, dense, with soft tannins; coffee and hazelnut, with a hint of bittersweet chocolate; for the cab lover…dessert in a glass. ($20) (94) Calluna Vineyards Calluna Estate Chalk Hill Red 2009 (California). Classic Left Bank style with the emphasis on cabernet sauvignon (40%), with elements of merlot, cab franc, malbec, and petite verdot blended in; intense fruit, very balanced, tight core of cedar and dried fruit with heavy minerality. ($70) (94) Tamarack Cellars Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (Washington State). Another wonderful cabernet out of Columbia Valley; medium to full bodied with energetic acidity; a beauty. ($35) (94) Atamisque Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (Argentina). Bright jammy fruits with hints of pepper on the nose; full bodied with robust flavors of red fruits, spice, coffee and vanilla. ($27) (94) La Storia by Trentadue Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (California). This cabernet sauvignon is aged for 16 months in several types of European (94) McPherson Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (Texas). The McPherson family is one of the pioneers of the modern Texas wine industry; aged 18 months in French 48 • Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • September/October 2013