StateWays is the only magazine exclusively covering the control state system within the beverage alcohol industry, with annual updates from liquor control commissions and alcohol control boards and yearly fiscal reporting from control jurisdictions
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StateWays Q www.stateways.com Q November/December 2014 38 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) Migration Russian River Chardonnay 2012 (California). This wine is sourced from 11 vineyards in the Russian River Valley; rich fruit notes of pineapple, peach, orange and nectarine are complemented by aromas of allspice and sweet vanilla. ($48) (95) Miner Gary's Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir 2011 (California). A bouquet of wildfl owers and red raspberry lead to a viscous texture on the palate with fl avors of red fruit, cherry, coffee, and spice; supple tannins with a nuance of toasty oak balance the whole. ($70) (95) Paul Hobbs Russian River Pinot Noir 2012 (California). Exceptional deep color; aromas of black raspberries and cassis; full- bodied, silky texture; cellar worthy for at least fi ve years. ($60) (95) Loveblock Central Otago Pinot Noir 2011 (New Zealand). A bright ruby red color; complex aromas include cherry, strawberry, violets, mushrooms and herbs; on the palate, a rush of sweet/tart berry fl avors meld with lightly toasted oak, truffl es and a hint of earthiness. Firm tannins linger on the fi nish suggesting some cellar time would be most rewarding. ($35) (95) Hartford Court Jolene's Vineyard Russian River Valley Zinfandel 2011 (California). A stunning zinfandel from 100+ year- old vines; shows near perfect balance between fruit, tannins and acids. ($60) (95) Outpost Howell Mountain Zinfandel 2011 (California). Full-bodied with loads of ripe fruit; blackberry jam, wild berry and black cherry fl avors fi ll the palate and lead way to a robust, spicy fi nish, with a hint of crack pepper. ($50) (95) Brown Chaos Theory Napa Red Blend 2009 (California). Blockbuster blending of Cab/ Zin (60/40% for this vintage); all estate-grown fruit from the Brown family, who started farming over 30 years ago in Napa; bold, balanced, great concentration of fl avors; black peppercorns, wild blackberries, black cherries; richly textured; the fi nish is long and lingering. ($69) (95) Alexander Valley Vineyards Sonoma Chardonnay 2012 (California). Estate grown, night harvested; interesting approach to blending stainless steel with no malolactic fruit with whole cluster fruit, aged in French oak with malolactic fermentation; rich mouth feel, very balanced, good acidity; toasted oak, rich butterscotch and tropical fruit fl avors blend harmoniously. ($18) FIVE STAR WINES +THE BEST OF 2014