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
ruby hued 2008; medium-bodied but teetering on full-bodied, velvety thick, almost creamy. ($40) FOUR STARS (91) Carneros Highway Pinot Noir 2009 (California). There is a lightly earthy opening to the bouquet that is quite nice and then some lightly spicy notes move in, with plum, blueberry and ground tea aromas; medium-bodied, it opens mildly then builds in intensity across the palate, but maintains good bal- ance and definition; ripe red cherry, black raspberry, cranberry, plum and blueberry flavors all mingle; a long finish. ($22) (91) Louis Jadot Couvent Des Jacobins Pinot Noir 2009 (France). A well-made Burgundy in a great vintage; lush and creamy, this wine offers a nice blend of wild berry and cherry flavors along with exotic sweet spice on a lively, long, finish. ($30) (91) Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir 2009 (California). Exceptional blend from Sonoma, Santa Barbara and Monterey coun- ties; vibrant and food friendly with upfront fruit; blackberry aroma; blackberry, cherry and cola taste; medium long finish. ($20) (91) Domaine Mestre Santenay 1er Cru Les Gravieres 2009 (France). Sourced by famous Burgundy broker Alain Corcia; bright fruit on the nose with exceptional bal- ance and black berry fruit on the palate; another winner from an exceptional red Burgundy vintage. ($30) (91) Monticello Oak Knoll Estate Pinot Noir 2007 (California). Good acidity to balance the fruit; aro- mas of raspberry, strawberry and blue- berry; cinnamon, clove spice and toasty vanilla layering over the fruit. ($40) (91) Argyle Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2009 (Oregon). Lovely cherry and earth notes; bright bing cherry flavors surrounded by hints of cedar; very easy to drink due to its velvety and creamy mouthfeel; vibrant acidity and light plum round out the overall finish; a wonderful food wine. ($24) (91) Wild Rock Cupid's Arrow Pinot Noir 2008 (New Zealand). Finally the wineries of Central Otago seem to be getting the knack of making complex, enjoyable Pinots; made with care (hand de- stemmed and aged 1 year+ in 15% new french oak), the result is an herbal cherry-berry delight with seductive softness; great with lamb chops or game hen. ($25) (91) River Road Russian River Reserve Pinot Noir 2010 (California). A good representation of Russian River Pinot Noir; flavors of strawberry and cherry fill the mouth; balanced by toasty vanilla compo- nents from the French Oak barrels. ($18) (91) Tolosa Edna Ranch Pinot Noir 2008 (California). Fresh cherries, plums and cedar on the nose; abundant bright fruit flavors with a delicate finish; a Burgundy-style Pinot from California. ($28) (90) Sonoma Cuvee Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2009 (California). Juicy red strawberry, raspberry and cherry cola layered with notes of violets; hints of vanilla and spice; silky, velvety mouthfeel with soft tannins for structure. ($20) (90) Santa Barbara Wine Company Pinot Noir 2009 (California). Dark ruby in color, the bouquet leaps from the glass, but still shows restraint, with a delightful mix of light spices, mild oak, tea leaf and moderate fruit aromas; a dry style, with nice tartness and firm tannins that slowly subside to let the red fruit spectrum move to the fore; the long finish beautifully echoes the ripe cher- ry notes. ($20) (90) Deloach Central Coast Pinot Noir 2009 (California). A nice balance of lovely fruit with a perfect amount of acidity; strawberry, wild berry and plum are evident up front with a hint of spice lingering on the long, silky finish. ($14) (90) Domaine a Chopin et Fils, Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2009 (France). Amazing complexity for an inexpensive red Burgundy; lots of terroir and body on this wine; this could be overrun from their famous Chambolle Musigny Vineyards. ($19) (90) Olivier Leflaive Bourgogne Rouge Cuvee Margot 2009 (France). Although known for his world class white wine, Leflaive has applied his mastery to Burgundy's other great grape, Pinot Noir; the alluring scents of black cherry and spice fill the air when first opened; on the palate the wine bursts with crunchy and juicy fruit, underlying spicy nuances and a long, satisfying finish. ($20) (90) The Pinot Project 2009 (California). Affordable quality from August Briggs; versatile blend from Sonoma, Carneros and Russian River; medium bodied with ripe cherry upfront fruit and easy spice and tannin on the finish. ($13) (90) Cru Montage Pinot Noir 2008 (California). Floral and Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • September/October 2011 • 57