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
oak, it is fruit forward in style with subtle touches of cassis and black fruit; this wine will change the way you look at Texas wine. ($30) (94) Oakville East "Exposure" Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (California). With neighbors like Dalla Valle and Screaming Eagle, it's no surprise that this is some heady stuff; an explosive wine yet remains graceful and sensuous; black cherry, plum, tobacco and mocha dance beautifully in the bouquet and on the palate, with layer upon layer slowly revealed. ($60) (93) Black Coyote Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (California). Pure Napa Valley, with sweet blackberries, leather, and spicy cedar; offering impressive concentration and supple tannins; this wine seals the deal on the outstandingly long finish that is further laden with flavors of tobacco and nutmeg; a real stand-out cabernet. ($85) (93) Tyrus Evan Ciel du Cheval Red Mountain Claret 2011 (Washington State). The bouquet is gorgeous, with both an earthy and savory bent, yet exhibiting plenty of ripe black fruit aromas; full bodied and luscious, but with a backbone of tannins that, though firm, remain quite smooth; light tints of cocoa and earth linger on the edges while ripe and juicy black cherry, currant, cassis and blueberry roll across the palate. ($40) 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. (93) Embem Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). The Mondavi family strikes again, with a winery created by Robert's son and grandchildren; the wine displays a similar class and elegance, with a slightly richer, riper style; the nose and palate both posses plenty of ripe, dark fruit, with hints of spice and hints of brown sugar; vibrant and young, now, it will also benefit from time in the cellar. ($35) (93) William Hill Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). The lovely acidity keeps the rich red and black fruits in balance; the tannins are very well integrated, providing texture and structure; exceptionally easy to enjoy now, it will also benefit from cellaring. ($35) (93) Hess Collection Mt. Veeder Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (California). This cabernet possesses lots of black, rich, and spicy fruit, on the nose and palate; the finish is seamless, elegant, and extended; superb, and balanced, across the board. ($55) (93) Beaulieu Vineyards Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (California). Classic Rutherford dust; dark cherry and cocoa notes lead into great earthiness and big tannins; pair with grilled meats. ($27) (93) Alexander Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (California). The Wetzel Family Estate yields superb grapes that express the volcanic "terroir" of Alexander Valley; blended with small amounts of merlot, cabernet franc, malbec, and petit verdot, barrel-aged for 14 months; robust with ripe black fruit and hints of coffee, mocha; supple tannins. ($20) (93) Worthy Sophie's Cuvee Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California). Classic Napa cabernet with a bit of petit verdot, malbec and cabernet franc; dark fruit and earth on the nose, chewy mouthfeel full of black cherry, currant and licorice sliding into perfectly integrated tannins through the mid palate and finish; unfiltered, so decant or pour carefully. ($29) (93) The Calling Rio Lago Vineyard Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). Full bodied; deep burgundy color; black cherry, and vanilla aromas; ripe raspberry and cherry on the palate; well balanced acidity with a lingering finish. ($38) (93) Tuck Beckstoffer '75 Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). A complex wine with refined tannins, layers of fruit and a depth not often seen in this price point; the controlled cassis, plum and cherry flavors are surrounded with blackberry and a silky finish. ($21) (93) Novelty Hill Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (Washington State). Mike Januik has been making wine in Washington for over 30 years, and it shows in his Novelty Hill line; deep rich black fruit is concentrated in the mid-palate with a smooth lingering finish. ($43) (93) Parducci True Grit Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). Cherry, vanilla, and cassis aromas lead to a smooth lingering finish; perfect with a thick ribeye. ($26) (92) Oberon Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). Quite complex for a wine of this price; integrated oak but not too much, big cherry/currant fruit balanced against cedar, tobacco and earthy mushroom. ($19) (92) Whitehall Lane Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (California). Classic Napa cab; full-bodied with lush black fruit balanced by new oak notes; soft tannins; drinkable now. ($45) (92) Sciandri Family Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (California). Has a very complex bouquet, with a subtle but lively array of baking spices mingling with ripe and creamy black and red currant aromas and a touch of cassis liqueur; bold on the palate, with lots of black fruit flavors and firm but well-tempered tannin providing a smooth veil to everything; a long finish. ($50) Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • September/October 2013 • 49