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/36361
(94) Albert Bichot Domaine Long-Depaquit Chablis 2009 (France). Bold stone-fruit, cit- rus, apple nose surrounded by terroir; lean and austere on the palate up front; it takes over in the middle and lingers on the end with that mar- velous Chablis minerality; bring on the oysters! ($27) (94) Vincent Girardin Macon-Fuisse Les Vieilles Vignes 2008 (France). From some of the old- est Macon vineyards, this is fragrant and zesty with lovely hints of peach, lemon, and anise; long, racy, and dry on the finish with a hint of terroir. ($22) (93) Michel Picard Puligny-Montrachet 2008 (Burgundy, France). This wine is supple and subtle in the nose, with light cream notes leading into balsam and then the fruit aromas arrive, showcasing green melon and citrus marmalade; amazing on the palate, immediately opening with a beautiful mélange of ripe citrus fruit flavors, but everything is medium-bodied and perfectly balanced. ($40) (93) 16x20 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2009 (California). Citrus, tropical fruit and a slight min- erality, layered with spicy nutmeg aro- mas; hint of creaminess, but leans more towards the crisper side; great balance and a long finish that make you want to take another sip. ($32) 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. (92) Olivier Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc “Les Setilles” 2008 (France). Terrific Burgundy; lemony citrus and a nutty thread throughout; complex with pure flavors; this wine outperforms some Village wines; depth and elegance. ($22) (92) L’Ecole No 41 Chardonnay 2009 (Washington State). This elegantly expressive chardonnay offers a blend of tropical fruit, flint and crisp Asian pear; the vibrant structure of this wine is finely balanced between richness and miner- ality, adding complexity on the clean, lingering finish. ($20) (92) Rutherford Hill Napa Valley Chardonnay 2007 (California). Aromas of grapefruit, but in a ripe fruity way, not too cit- rusy; serious complex notes of apricot, pear, cinnamon and vanilla with just a hint of a buttery malo in the finish. ($24) (92) Domaine Serene Clos de Solei Chardonnay 2008 (Oregon). The bright, floral nose gives hints of citrus, flower, ripe pear, key lime, mineral, baked apple; the palate is rich and displays sweet pear and green apple with beautifully bal- anced acidity and a long, lingering finish. ($40) (92) Gordon Brothers Reserve Chardonnay 2009 (Washington State). Aromas of pineapple and toffee greet the nose; smooth and appealing for its balance, this wine presents flavors of pear, golden delicious apple, citrus zest and cloves; lively acids invite these flavors to linger on the palate. ($17) (92) Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay 2009 (California). Rich and buttery a monster chard with toasty oak and lots of cream; a big wine with lots of character; thick and inviting. ($32) (92) Charles Wiffen Chardonnay 2008 (New Zealand). Shiny yellow metallic color, this chardonnay shows rich lemon buttered biscuit, ripe pineapple, and yellow apple 50 • Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • July/August 2011 notes on the nose followed by a medi- um body and subdued acidity; baked lemon flavors dominate the palate with a creamy, lingering finish. ($22) (92) 90+ Cellars Lot 29 Russian River Chardonnay 2009 (California). Full-bodied buttery style; aromas of melon and peach with a silky finish; delicious and pairs well with seafood, creamy pasta dishes and chicken entrees. ($15) (92) George Duboeuf Macon-Villages 2009 (France). This is a great summer chardonnay; light, dry and crisp; excellent food companion during the warm weather. ($14) FOUR STARS (91) Jordan Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2008 (California). Straw color; apple aroma with apple and pear flavors; nice long finish. ($33) (91) Wild Oak Sonoma Chardonnay 2008 (California). A delicious array of citrus, apple, hon- eydew melon and apricot fruit flavors immediately hit the palate on your first sip of this well-made chardon- nay; rich yet elegant, this wine is well-balanced and finishes long and complex. ($20) (91) Baus Family Vineyards Alexander Valley Private Reserve Chardonnay 2009 (California). This wine’s beautiful bouquet really shows the richness of Alexander Valley fruit, and barrel-aging certainly seems evi- dent (in a good way); medium-full, round and rich, it has ripe citrus and tropical fruit flavors leading off, with more classic ripe apple and pear tail- ing in late, making for a complex and tasty ride. ($15) (91) Logan Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay 2008 (California). From Talbot Vineyards; rich & bright, subtle oak; fresh notes of ripe apple and pear that do not drag the palate down; pure clean flavors. ($19)