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/379477
46 Beverage Dynamics • September/October 2014 www.beveragedynamics.com WINE SELECTIONS • CABERNET SAUVIGNON +++++ (95) Caymus 40th Anniversary Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). A delicious celebration of Napa Valley Cabernet; rich and robust berry fruit, with balanced tannins marry together for a truly silky fi nish. ($73) +++++ (95) Long Shadows Feather Cab- ernet Sauvignon 2011 (Washington State). Dark fruits with a hint of chocolate, this is a rich full-bodied wine with a luxurious texture. ($60) +++++ (95) Ahnfeldt Provocative Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (California). Gorgeous bouquet of lilacs, roses and ripe black fruits; fl avors of blueberry, black currant and plum abound with just a touch of toasted oak; tannins are supple; this wine is absolutely enjoyable now. ($40) +++++ (95) Poggio al Tesoro, Sondraia Bolgheri Superiore 2011 (Italy). From Tuscany, this Cabernet dominant blend com- bines elegance and power; the 18 months in +++++ (95) Fattoria di Felsina Maestro Raro Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (Italy). Cherr y, black currant, cedar and coffee aromas leads you into the intense flavors with refined str ucture; ripe and focused tannins provide grip; tobacco spice notes. ($60) oak, contributes a spiciness to the red and black fruit notes; the taste is fresh and clean, with a long and elegant fi nish; a highly pol- ished wine that will pair with a wide range of meats, cheeses, and other foods. ($55) +++++ (95) Chateau Ste. Michelle Ethos Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2011(Wash- ington State). Most of the grapes, used to produce this outstanding wine, came from the established Cold Creek vineyard; the wine is rich and powerful, with a great deal of ele- gance; dark fruit is accented by spice, on the nose and palate; delicious now, make sure to age some as well. ($48) +++++ (95) Artesa Estate Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). From one of Napa Valley's top fl ight properties, this Cabernet exhibits dark fruit and power; the fermentation and aging in oak contribute spice and structure; a very fi ne wine, enjoyable now, but with potential to age gracefully. ($46) +++++ (95) Elderton Ashmead Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (Australia). This wine is ex- ceptionally concentrated, with plush black fruit; the mouthfeel and fi nish are outstanding, and ex- amples of world-class Australian winemaking; +++++ (94) Wente Charles Wetmore Livermore Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (Cal- ifornia). This estate vineyard is named for the gentleman who helped develop the area in the late 1800s by bring cutting from some of the best vineyards in Bordeaux; in that same style, this Cabernet Sauvignon has small amounts of Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Merlot added for intense complexity; aged 14 months in French and American oak; over-delivers in terms of value and quality. ($36) +++++ (92) Wente Southern Hills Liv- ermore Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (Califor- nia). A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Merlot; aged 14 months in an oak/stain- less steel program; lush blueberry aromas dominate the nose; beautiful balance of body and acidity; great fi nish. ($19) +++++ (95) Carmen Gold Reserve Maipo Alto Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (Chile). A big, hearty Chilean Cab; lots of oak and vanilla overtones with deep black- berry fruit; balanced tannins from this warm weather region. ($75) (Trinchero) +++++ (95) Robert Mondavi Oakville Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (California). Dark in the glass, with plenty of dark fruit notes on the nose, the wine is rich, with hints of spice and herbs; an excep- tionally long fi nish, with great balance. ($45)