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/421848
www.beveragedynamics.com November/December 2014 • Beverage Dynamics 47 THE BEST OF 2014 • FIVE STAR WINES (95) Alexander Valley Vineyards Alexander School Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). Older, low-yield vines produce very intense concentrated fruit; 100% Cabernet sauvignon; aged almost two years in premium French oak barrels; a very big wine, rich and chewy, with dark fruit, tobacco and semi-sweet chocolate fl avors. ($45) (95) Daou Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). This full-bodied wine displays black fruits, cassis, wild herbs and earthy notes with ripe, rich tannins; grown at the highest elevation in Paso Robles shows the great complexity of the area. ($30) (95) Fattoria di Felsina Maestro Raro Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (Italy). Cherry, black currant, cedar and coffee aromas leads you into the intense fl avors with refi ned structure; ripe and focused tannins provide grip; tobacco spice notes. ($60) (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 Cabernet 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 combines elegance and power; the 18 months in 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 polished wine that will pair with a wide range of meats, cheeses, and other foods. ($55) (95) Chateau Ste. Michelle Ethos Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2011(Washington 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 elegance; 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 exceptionally concentrated, with plush black fruit; the mouthfeel and fi nish are outstanding, and examples of world-class Australian winemaking; a real keeper, as well as a wine that's showing superbly well now. ($104) (95) Chateau Franc Coutelin Saint-Estephe Bordeaux 2009 (France). Blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot; the Cabernet is most evident with aromas and fl avors of black cherry, currant and blackberry; a note of toasted oak on the fi nish along with fi rm tannins.($30) (Victoire Imports, Sonoma, CA) (95) Root:1 Colchagua Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (Chile). From ungrafted vines of original European rootstock that have never been blighted by phylloxera; bold, rich varietal aromas and fl avors in a ripe, mouth-fi lling, and easy-to-enjoy style; richness, quality and value. ($13) (Winebow, NY, NY) (95) True Grit Reserve Mendocino Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). This is Parducci's reserve level Cabernet Sauvignon; 18 months in French and American oak add a vanilla softness to the mix; small amounts of Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot and Syrah add richness; beautiful cherry and cassis aromas fi nish out the wine. ($39) (Parducci) (95) Flanagan Family Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). Ripe and concentrated fruit; cassis and vanilla on the nose; unusually soft tannins for such a powerful Cabernet. ($85) (95) Itsas Mendi Blanco D.O. Bizkaiko Txakolina 2012 (Spain). A truly unique white wine from Spain's Basque country, made from the indigenous Hondarrabi Zuri grape; at fi rst, it's reminiscent of Vinho Verde, rather tart and light; after a few minutes of aeration, a fl oral bouquet bursts into fl avors of lush tropical fruits, ending with lip-smacking sweet/tart acidity. ($23) +++++ (95) Carmen Gold Reserve Maipo Alto Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (Chile). A big, hearty Chilean Cab; lots of oak and vanilla overtones with deep blackberry 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 exceptionally long fi nish, with great balance. ($45)