Cheers

January 2015

Cheers is dedicated to delivering hospitality professionals the information, insights and data necessary to drive their beverage business by covering trends and innovations in operations, merchandising, service and training.

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www.cheersonline.com 38 • January/February 2015 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. An 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. ($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 in this California interpretation. Rich and full bodied, with soft hints of raisins, plums, coffee and dark chocolate. Soft, supple tannins lead to a long, lingering fi nish. ($45) (96) Susana Balbo Malbec 2012 (Argentina). Argentina's fl ying winemaker shows her talents with this one. Malbec and RATING SYSTEM (92-100 points) A top-fl ight wine. Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price/value relationship. (86-91 points) A very good wine and an excellent value. A wine for which customers will keep coming back. (80-85 points) An above-average wine at a reasonable price point, which many consumers will enjoy. We asked members of our national wine panel to start 2015 by reviewing 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 or on-premise beverage professional who would like to learn more about participating in our panel, call Melissa Dowling at 203-855-8499 ext. 223, or email her at MDowling@SpecialtyIM.com. A Roundup of Marvelous Malbecs 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 wine fi nishes with vanilla, tobacco, and dark chocolate fl avors. ($37) (95) Lionel Osmin Cahors 2011. Classic Old-World malbec (100%) from a great pro- ducer, the wine is 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 PHOTO CREDIT: ©ISTOCK.COM/MARKSWALLOW

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