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/446939
www.beveragedynamics.com January/February 2015 • Beverage Dynamics 43 ★★★★★ Five Stars (92-100) A top- flight wine. Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price/value relationship. ★★★★ Four Stars (86-91) A very good wine and an excellent value. A wine for which customers will keep coming back. ★★★ Three Stars (80-85) An above-average wine, at a reasonable price point, which many customers will enjoy. ★★ Two Stars (70-79) An average wine. ★ One Star (50-69) A below-average wine. RATING SYSTEM WINE SELECTIONS R E TA I L E R FIVE STARS (98) Altamira Navigato Grand Reserve Malbec 2008 (Argentina). This is one serious Malbec. High altitude fruit from the Uco valley. Old vine designation utilizing plantings from 1947. Exotic blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. Aged 24 months in French oak. Intense purple color, soft aromas of apricot, plum, and bright cherries. Elegant, supple mouth feel, and a long smooth fi nish. Perfect for the holiday dinner season. ($52) (97) Saracina Malbec 2011 (California). John Fetzer has been producing great organic wines since the 80s. Now his Saracina winery continues the passion. Vineyard designated grapes shine is his California interpretation. Rich, full-bodied, with soft hints of raisins, plums, coffee, and hints of dark chocolate. Soft supple tannins lead to a long lingering fi nish. ($45) (96) Susana Balbo Malbec 2012 (Argentina). Argentina's fl ying winemaker show her talents The Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panelists recommend Malbecs from Argentina, Chile, France and California. WE ASKED MEMBERS OF THE PANEL to review some of their favorite Malbecs. 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 more about participating in the panel, call Editor Jeremy Nedelka at 203-855-8499 x213 or email him at jnedelka@specialtyim.com. with this one. Malbec and 8% Cabernet make this a uniquely styled wine. Aromas of violets, black cherries, and plums dominate. Rich and supple, with a strong tannic backbone, this fi nishes with vanilla, tobacco, and dark chocolate fl avors. ($37) (95) Lionel Osmin Cahors 2011. Classic Old- World Malbec (100%) from a great producer. Aged 10 months, 25% in oak barrels. The color is deep blue, almost purple! Aromas of black fruits, mocha, and "cigar-box" spiciness lead to bold fl avors of blackberry and plum balanced with fi rm tannins and a hint of lovely "terroir." Nice now, it will cellar for several years. ($20) (95) Chateau Nozieres Ambroise de l'Her Cahors 2010. Ninety percent Malbec and 10% Merlot aged 14 months in oak barrels. Blue/ black in color and viscous in the glass. A bouquet of lilacs and berries leads to lovely fl avors of blueberry and spice with a touch of sweet/toasty oak. Tannins are supple with a touch of earthiness on the fi nish. Very French, very good! ($20) (95) Lionel Osmin La Reserve Malbec 2011 (France). An excellent example of Malbec (100%) from Southwest France where the grape's origins are. Aged 10 months, 80% stainless, 20% oak. The wine has a beautiful deep-blue color. Aromas and flavors of berry, black cherry, coffee, and some sweet spice finish with soft tannins and a hint of "terroir." A great introduction to "Old-World" Malbec and a great value! ($13) (95) Decero Malbec Remolinos Vineyard- Agrelo 2011 (Argentina). The vineyard is located at 3,500 feet in Mendoza's sub- region of Agrelo where the grapes are hand- picked. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 14 months. A superb example of modern Argentine winemaking. A fl oral nose leads to concentrated fl avors of sweet/tar t red fruits with nuances of cedar, spice, and vanilla. The tannins are fi rm and linger with some lip-smacking acidity. Pair this with a good steak! ($23)