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/215070
RETAILER WINESELECTIONS The Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel recommends a lineup of their favorite holiday wines. For this issue, we asked members of the Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel to recommend some of their favorite wines for holiday drinking. 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) Laurent Barth Gewurztraminer Vieilles Vignes 2010 (Alsace). An elegant dry style with fragrances and flavors of apricot, coriander, and clove; served lightly chilled, it will complement the cornucopia of culinary delights on your Thanksgiving or Christmas table. ($29) ##### (95) The Calling Rio Lago Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). A delicious, well-crafted cabernet; full bodied, with a deep burgundy color; soft tannins and a velvety texture; ripe raspberry and cherry on the palate with a long finish. ($39) ##### (94) Martinelli Bondi Home Ranch Sonoma County Greene Valley Pinot Noir 2011 (California). Cherry aroma; cherry and plum flavors; nice silky tannins; long finish. ($60) ##### (94) Arger-Martucci The Odyssey Red Blend 2007 (California). This small Napa winery produces nothing but great wines and the Odyssey is no exception; this is a cabernet franc-based blend, so expect wonderful aromas with blackberry, cherry and currant fruits; an easy wine to drink. ($48) ##### (94) Domaine Cazes Le Canon Du Marechal Blanc Vin de Pays des Cotes Catalanes 2011 (France). An intriguing blend of 80% muscat and 20% viognier from biodynamic vineyards; the Mandarin character of the muscat is evident in the bouquet and on the palate; the viognier adds a creamy mouthfeel; lovely flavors of melon, fig and orange, yet the wine is dry; complements fowl and mild seafood. ($16) ##### (94) Catena Lunlunta Vineyard Malbec 2011 (Argentina). This single vineyard malbec from Catena is simply stunning; gorgeous floral bouquet with ripe pomegranate and wild strawberry is complemented by earthy red fruit and spice notes on the palate; great structure and texture, complete with a long finish. ($25) ##### (94) Weingut Setzer Gruner Veltliner Hohenwarth, Weinviertel 2012 (Austria). Crisp, refreshing, and not-quite-dry with zesty acidity in the finish; pairs beautifully with a wide array of cuisine and perfect "party wine;" from a family winery founded in 1705. ($18) ##### (94) Weingut Ecker Zweigelt Trocken Weinland 2011 (Austria). A yummy,eminently quaffable Rotwein from Austria's premier red grape; hints of cherry, tobacco, beets and spice abound; soft tannins round out this lovely wine; serve slightly chilled with your Holiday meals. ($16) ##### (94) Dr. Hermann "H" Riesling 2011 (Germany). Lush, sweet fruit aromas and flavors lead to a crisp, racy finish; the sweetness, balanced by the acidity, is simply delectable; with a hint of the Mosel's slate, it's a classic style that's perfect for holiday festivities. ($17) ##### (93) Daou Chardonnay 2010 (California). If you insist on chardonnay with your Turkey dinner, here it is; no noticeable oak or malalactic; instead, you will find apples and a hint of pineapple sprinkled with a dash of nutmeg. ($40) ##### (93) Chateau Ste Michelle Cold Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (Washington State). A stunning cabernet offering deep and rich fruit and amazing bal- Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • November/December 2013 • 33