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/47881
RET AILER WINESELECTIONS FIVE STARS (96) Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte 1999 Palmes d'Or Champagne (France).With a beau- tiful nose of flowers, fruit blossoms, and honey this blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir illustrates its pedigree; the bubbles are tiny, and flow up the glass for quite some time; on the palate, this lovely wine shows a wonderful balance of fruit and acid, with a touch of the classic yeasty character. ($150) (96) Sette Ponti Oreno 2008 (Italy). Another masterpiece from Winemaker Carlo Ferrini in Tuscany; rich and juicy yet elegant; this blend has impressive layers of fruit giving way to a touch of spice and a hint of mint; perfectly balanced with a long, lingering finish. ($70) (96) Champagne Henriot 1998 La Cuvée Des Enchanteleurs Champagne (France). After sitting on the lees for an amazing 12 years, you can immediately note the sheer style and elegance of this world-class wine; the complex nose of fresh citrus, combined with tree and dried fruits is echoed on the palate; the wine is both easy to drink, because it's so delicious, as well as having so much going on in the glass, you just don't want to rush through it; a rare and magnificent bottle. ($209) (95) Raymond Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California). This Cabernet has amazing concentration of dark fruit; blackberry, black cherry, plum and black licorice flavors immediately fill the palate on the first sip; the mid- palate is dense and full-bodied with great depth; the finish lasts 30 seconds and offers a nice hint of spice on a solid backbone of tannins; ready to drink today, but will age for another 10 years. ($42) (95) Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (Chile). Very well- structured wine; full bodied, mellow tannins with hints of blackberry and raspberry; nice long finish. ($24) (95) Domaine Vacheron Sancerre Rouge 2009 (France). This is a wonderful example of Pinot Noir produced in Sancerre, which tends to be elegant, soft, and velvety; 38 • Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • November/December 2011 The Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel recommends a lineup of their favorite holiday wines. aromas and flavors of currant and cherry meld with a hint of "terroir"; the wine will complement most any holiday meal, particularly lightly smoked salmon. ($35) (95) Domaine Huet Clos Du Bourg Vouvray Sec 2009 (Fance). Chenin Blanc at its finest; tantalizing floral scents lead to rich flavors of not-quite-ripe apple, pear and peach with just a hint of minerality; lovely citrus notes linger on the lengthy, dry finish; Pair with fish, fowl, pork, veal, and especially roast pheasant. ($35) (94) Domaine de Noire Soif de Tendresse Chinon 2010 (France). A beautiful expression of Cabernet Franc; aromas of wildflower, blackberry, and "La Garrigue" lead to flavors of currant and blueberry with a hint of coffee; supple tannins on the end make this an ideal match for lamb, beef and game. ($20) (94) Pannonhalmi Apatsagi Pinceszet Rajnai Rizling 2008 (Hungary). From vineyards planted by Benedictine Monks in Hungary in 996 A.D., this is a fragrant, mouthfilling, totally dry Riesling with For this issue, we asked members of the Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel to recommend some of their favorite wines for holiday drinking. As always, these selections include brief tasting notes, a rating and the wine' beverage professional who would like to learn about participating in our panel, call Richard Brandes at 212-353-3832, or email him at rbrandes@m2media360.com. s retail price (which varies from store to store and market to market). If you're a retail