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
ance; many intricate layers of berry fruit and cassis with a touch of cocoa. ($28) ##### (93) Perseverance Sonoma County Monte Rosso Vineyard Zinfandel 2008 (California). If you wonder why some plots of land are so famous, try this wine and wonder no more; incredibly complex in the bouquet and on the palate, with black pepper notes tinting blackberry compote, spicy briar notes and earthy undertones; bold and intense, yet beautifully balanced, and the finish displays vanilla and caramel. ($25) ##### (93) McPherson Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (Texas). "Doc" McPherson grows these grapes on his Sagmor Vineyard, while his son Kim makes the wine; aged 18 months in French oak, it is fruit-forward in style with subtle touches of cassis and black fruit. ($30) ##### (92) D'Armanville Brut Champagne NV (France). 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; lots of finesse. ($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. ##### (92) Cedar Knoll Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (California). Rich, red fruit nose; flavors of cassis, blackberry, and some chocolate; substantial tannins; a long finish. ($45) ##### (92) Truchard Napa Merlot 2009 (California). Deep purple color with ripe scents of blueberry and cassis; layered and dense, with appealing notes of currant, blueberry, mineral and a touch of herbs on the luscious finish; a match for pastas with red sauce, braised short ribs or even a succulent rabbit stew. ($30) ##### (92) Bending Branch Winery Tempranillo 2010 (Texas). From the famed Newsom Vineyards in the Texas High Plains AVA; 24 months in oak, this has beautifully vibrant fruit, with notes of coffee, green herbs, cranberries and spice; smoky, rich and robust. ($30) ##### (92) Catalpa Pinot Noir 2011 (Argentina). Aromas of blueberry with hints of chocolate; soft, flavorful and balanced with light tannins; an elegant lingering finish. ($19) FOUR STARS #### (91) Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2010 (Italy). Silky with bright black fruit flavors and aromas; soft, well-integrated tannins and a long finish; should age nicely over the next 5 to 7 years. ($30) #### (91) Mobius Sonoma Russian River Pinot Noir 2009 (California). Russian River produces very fruit forward wines, and this wine over-delivers; rich strawberry and raspberry fruit married with gentle tannins; deep garnet color, unfined, with touches of minerality. ($30) #### (91) Sparrow Hawk Russian River Reserve Chardonnay 2011 (California). From the Parsley family who produces the Silver Stag wines, comes their Sonoma sourced series of wine; the famed Dutton Ranch fruit adds beautiful touches of 34 • Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • November/December 2013 citrus, green apple and pear; the rich buttery finish really rounds out this wine, with subtle touches of vanilla and pineapple. ($40) #### (91) Fatttoria del Cerro Rosso di Montepulciano 2011 (Italy). Lighter in body than some Montepulcianos, but loaded with hefty blackberry fruit and mild tannins that will carry off lasagna, stuffed veal or grilled eggplant dishes. ($13) #### (91) Kenneth Volk Cabernet Pfeffer 2008 (California). Cabernet Pfeffer was a nearly extinct grape brought to life by Kenneth Volk in San Benito; pfeffer is pepper in German and this wine has plenty of it. ($24) #### (91) Cantina del Taburno Falanghina 2012 (Italy). Great food wine, especially with shrimp, crab and chicken; aromatic with hints of ripe pear and apple. ($16) #### (91) Sental Cellars Dry Creek Zinfandel 2011 (California). This is the second label for Terroir Napa Valley wines; a clasaic Dry Creek zin, with great balance between oak aging fresh fruit; nose delivers anise, tar, spice, cedar and brambly fruit; small production lots make this one to look for; over-delivers for the money. ($37) #### (91) Ca'ed Bolos Moscato d'Asti DOCG 2011 (Italy). From the original appellation for moscato, this is the best of old world mixed with modern winemaking; frizzante in style, it has soft notes of orange blossoms, peach, almond and honey in a lighter style; dessert in a glass. ($24) #### (91) 90+ Cellars Lot 28 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2011 (Washington State). The best of both worlds with American-style ripe fruit and the finesse of a good French Burgundy; perfect with roast chicken. ($18) #### (91) Christoffel Riesling Qba 2012 (Germany). Balanced fruit and acidity with a subtle hint of honeyed sweetness; pair with mild cheeses and fruit or a pork roast with apples. ($19)