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
ripe berry and cassis flavors; a sweet, tart finish; excellent value. ($10) (90) La Joya Reserva Merlot 2008 (Chile). Fragrant and flavorful with soft hints of plum, blue- berry and coffee; an elegant, lovely style. ($10) (90) Chateau Saint-Supice 2006 (Bordeaux, France). Made from 70% merlot, 20% cabernet sauvignon and 10% cabernet franc in a classic style; earthy with a perfect fruit and tannin balance; good value. ($17) (90) Chateau Julien Merlot 2008 (California). A chunky and fleshier style of merlot; hints of cocoa and black fruits in the nose; medium- bodied and mouth-filling and a long lasting finish. ($12) (90) Summit Estates Merlot 2009 (California). An interesting take on merlot- slightly sweeter with a little more residual sugar; regat flavors of toasty marshmallow-y vanilla, cherry and plum; good balance that keeps this from being syrupy or cloying. ($8) (90) Washington Hills Merlot 2007 (Washington State). Aromas of fresh red cherries lead to smoky flavors and cedar on the finish; very well balanced and wonderful value. ($10) (89) Bedell Merlot 2007 (Long Island, NY). An excellent value, surprisingly full-bodied and flavorful for the price with classic black fruit notes. ($18) (89) Twenty Rows Napa Merlot 2008 (California). Made and sold by the owners of Venoce on Mt. Veeder; this highly decorated yet hard to find merlot has it all; lots of body, lots of balance, high acidity; excellent with all kinds of spring meats. ($21) (89) Chateau St Michelle Indian Wells Merlot 2008 (Washington State). Fruity blackberry nose; blackberries and currants with a hint of mint; nice tannins with a lingering finish. ($17) (89) Papi Demi- Sec Merlot 2008 (Chile). An unusual merlot that is good for the beginner “non-red” wine drinker; light, easy and slightly “sweet”; super easy drink- ing. ($4) (89) Mauvais Garcon Bad Boy Bordeaux 2006 (France). Still a little tight, but very good quality fruit; dark flavors with some leather/ tobacco; bit of minerals at the finish. ($24) (88) Rodney Strong Sonoma County Merlot 2006 (California). Always a favorite, soft plum and currant fruit flavors upfront; round and pleas- ing; nice depth and com- plexity and a finish that is sure to please. ($16) (89) Folie à Deux Napa Merlot 2008 (California). This savory merlot is loaded with big berry fruit, a hint of tobacco and blueberry; the finish is satisfying and lingering. ($16) notes of spice and vanilla make this a wine to enjoy now. ($15) (88) Kris Merlot 2007 (Sicily). Easy drinking merlot, with raspberry and blackberry aromas; medium-bodied, with soft, silky tan- nins and a dark chocolate; fruit and vanilla finish. ($13) (88) Vina Echeverria Merlot 2008 (Chile). Beautifully made wine and a good bargain; showing red and black fruits; struc- ture and nice purity of flavors; a complete and balanced wine that is not so identifiable to its varietal. ($11) (88) Barnard Griffin Merlot 2008 (Washington State). Very pretty wine showing lush cherry and black- berry fruit flavors; nice structure and (88) Teldeschi California Merlot 2007 (California). A pretty wine, with lots of upfront fruit and not a lot of tannin; an excellent every- day drinking wine; top price/quality ratio. ($15) (86) Columbia Winery Merlot 2007 (Washington State). Black fruit aroma; blackberry and black cherry with substantial tan- nins; nice finish and a good value. ($14) (86) Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot 2006 (Washington State). Simple fruit and spice, but this wine is well- structured with nice balance and great consumer appeal. ($9) Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • March/April 2011 • 75