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/41523
RET AILER WINESELECTIONS FIVE STARS (99) Hubert Lignier Les Chaffots Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru 2007 (Burgundy). This is the Rockstar of Morey-St-Denis; premium Burgundy at its finest; full and bright, the flavors are of raspberries and cherries with notes of herbs and dried leaves. ($130) (97) Wild Horse Cheval Sauvage Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir 2005 (California). Sourced from the Bien Nacido and Sierra Madre vineyards tucked in a cool corner of the valley, this is a world-class wine; ripe, rich, silky, perfectly balanced Burgundian Pinot; an exquisit blend of raspberry, spice, earth, oak and smoke, and would enhance any dish from Rabbit Terrine to glazed salmon. ($65) (96) Walter Hansel Cahill Lane Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2008 (California). Big and full bodied, with amazing fruit on the nose and the palate; a real steal at this price. ($40) (95) Pannonhalmi Apatsagi Pincaszet Pinot Noir 2009 (Hungary). From vineyards estab- lished by Benedictine monks in A.D. 996; intense aromas and flavors of smoke, bacon and terroir are followed by black cherry, currant, and spice after two hours of decanting; aston- ishing wine. ($25) (95) Lockwood Pinot Noir Block 7 2009 (California). A nice touch of oak influence lends well to the deep ripe cherry flavors and chocolate notes; silky and elegant; pairs nicely with mushroom dishes. ($18) (95) Domaine Vacheron Sancerre Rouge Loire Valley 2009 (France). This Domaine, noted for its marvelous white wines, produces a small amount of Pinot Noir; a nose of wild flowers and under-ripe fruit leads to fla- vors of raspberry and cherry with a hint of minerality; soft tannins and delicate spice flavors linger on the finish. ($38) (94) HK Hop Kiln Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2008 (California). On the way to becoming a major cult wine; really bright fruit and medium body; grab this one before it can't be found any more. ($40) (94) Fulcrum "On Point" Christina's Cuvee Pinot Noir 2009 (California). Bouquet of spice and floral notes; bright cherries and The Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel recommends a lineup of top quality/value pinot noirs. pomegranate wash over the palate; the finish has hints of oak, but is extremely well balanced and silky. ($40) (94) Estancia Pinnacles Ranch Pinot Noir 2009 (California). Comes from Monterey County with cool ocean breezes mak- ing this an ideal growing region for this finicky grape; deep red in color with dark berry and plum aromas; a soft luscious finish. ($16) (94) The Crossings Pinot Noir 2009 (New Zealand). Ripe plum in color with berry aromas; fresh, elegant and approachable; drink now or hold for a couple of years. ($17) (93) Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008 (Oregon). From Eola –Amity Hills in Oregon, clean and bright fruit flavors showing beautifully now; a great food wine but the bright fruit also makes it great for sipping by itself. ($40) (93) Patz and Hall Jenkins Ranch Pinot Noir (2009). This Pinot displays depth and suppleness, red cherry elements, alongside ripe boy- senberry and floral layers; though this wine offers remarkable density on the palate, with soft, round tannins, it is remarkably approachable now. ($50) Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • September/October 2011 • 55 For this issue, we asked members of the Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel to recommend some of their favorite pinot noirs. As always, these selections include brief tasting notes, a rating and the wine' s retail price (which varies from store to store and market to market). If you're a retail beverage professional who would like to learn about participating in our panel, call Richard Brandes at 212-353-3832, or email him at rbrandes@m2media360.com.