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/27652
(93) Pepperbridge Merlot 1997 (Washington State). Dense, luscious flavors of ripe raspberries and currants; hints of cinnamon and touches of dark chocolate add com- plexity to the pretty fruit; this supple merlot finishes with a core of dark red fruits and a long, persistent, velvety texture. ($50) (92) Duckhorn Napa Merlot 2007 (California). A bouquet of plums, cherries and vanilla; fig, current and cedar coat the palate; spice and a soft mouthfeel lead to a lingering finish with hearty tannins and depth. ($59) (92) Bookwalter Foreshadow Merlot 2008 (Washington State). This wine exhibits intense color and concentra- tion of fruit; notes of blueberry, plum and spice; dense and focused on the palate; the long finish suggests a wine that will only improve with cellaring. ($40) (92) Stags’ Leap Winery Napa Valley Merlot 2007 (California). A big, rich red with delicious black fruit flavors; the finish lingers beautifully on and on. ($35) (92) Monticello Estate Merlot 2006 (California). Always a power-packed, flavorful yet refined wine from this well-established Napa RATING SYSTEM FIVE STARS (92-100) A top- flight 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 above- average 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. Valley family winery, this mer- lot is often referred to as the “cab-drinker’s merlot” because of its big fruit fla- vors and great balance of tannins and acidity; a great wine. ($24) (92) Clos Du Val Napa Valley Merlot 2007 (California). Black fruit aroma; blackberries, black cherry, currant flavors; substantial tannins; long fin- ish. ($28) (92) Alterra Napa Merlot 2009 (California). Bright cherry and blueberry with hints of licorice on the palate, complemented by notes of cedar on the nose; soft tannins give this wine good structure. ($12) FOUR STARS (91) Burgess Napa Merlot 2006 (California). This winery has been around for years, and we tend to overlook some of the “old timers”; big, bold and delightful; this is what California merlot is all about. ($27) (91) Chateau St. Jean Sonoma Merlot 2007 (California). Ripe and generous, soft-textured with plum, currant and blackberry character that extends into a solid finish, echo- ing plum and spice. ($21) (91) Canoe Ridge Merlot 2005 (Washington State). Expressions of mocha, dark berry, subtle nuttiness on the back end, and just enough acidity on the side palate to allow all the flavors to work in har- mony together; a great value; good with food or standing alone. ($19) (91) Crosby Merlot 2009 (California). Not a familiar name, but should be; medium body; smooth and silky; balanced fruit and tannin, not overly extracted; real value. ($9) (91) Chateau Ste. Michelle Merlot 2001 (Washington State). Appealing aromas of ripe blackberry and vanilla; bold but not over the top; a well-made wine. ($18) (91) Cloud Break Merlot 2009 (California). Bright, fresh fruit that makes this a favorite; nice soft tannins balance the bing cherry and wild berries. ($8) (91) Freemark Abbey Napa Merlot 2007 (California). Lovely berry, plum, chocolate and wood on the nose with flavors to match; lovely supple tannins. ($23) (91) Five Star Cellars Merlot 2007 (Washington State). This Walla Walla merlot has a lovely ruby shade; sweet fruit and flowers on Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • March/April 2011 • 73 (90) Frei Brothers Dry Creek Reserve Merlot 2007 (California). A robust merlot with the backbone of a cabernet; rich berry fruit surrounded by balanced tannin and acidity; delicious. ($20)