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.
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a hint of minerality on the long finish; it complements many cuisines served during the holidays. ($20) (93) Etude Rose 2010 (California). Perfect pairing for holiday turkey, ham and shrimp; this rose of pinot noir explodes with elegant, inviting aromas of wild strawberries; a delight. ($17) (93) Hilary Goldschmidt Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California). An absolutely stunning Cabernet; big bold, concen- trated flavors of berry and cassis open up to perfectly balanced acidity and tannin; open for at least two hours and let all the flavors marry together. ($27) (93) Borsao Rose 2010 (Spain). Made from 100% Garnacha; bright orange color with full flavors of blood orange on the nose and palate; nicely balanced with a long finish; great value. ($7) (92) Terrazas de los Andes Mendoza Las Compuertas Afincado Malbec 2007 (Argentina). A tremendous bouquet; ripe and juicy, but refined and structured, with amazing spice content that is layered and complex; tannic and dry on the entry, but then it slowly opens up and expands, gaining depth and richness, with camphor, smoked meat and ripe black fruit flavors. ($48) RATING SYSTEM 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. (92) Short Ends Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (California). Cassis nose; cassis, plum and cherry flavors; big tannins and a long finish. ($43) (92) Orin Swift Napa Valley Papillion Red Wine 2008 (California). A six grape blend with zinfan- del being the primary grape; a complex nose, with plum, blackberry, maybe a little smoke; plum, blackberry and cherry flavors; substantial tannins and a long finish. ($59) (92) Domaine Galevan Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2006 (France). Classic southern Rhone, this shows off lovely terroir and spice notes min- gling in the bouquet; similar on the palate, though additions of (91) Sterling Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (California). A generous blend of wild berry, currant, black cherry and mocha flavors, which are followed by a full- bodied middle and a hint of anise and spice on a long balanced finish; wonderful value. ($27) cocoa, cassis liqueur and Asian plum offer delicious nuance; ample tannin, but it is well-integrated, making for a wine with firm grip and length. ($50) (92) Socolo by Sebastiani 2006 (California). This red blend is a monster; the tannins mellow beautifully to allow the fruit to come through for a very elegant finish. ($36) (92) Domaine Eternel Elsa Cotes du Roussillon Villages 2007 (France). The lovely bouquet displays a nice mix of savory spice aromas tinting ripe red currant and lingonberry compote aromas, and everything is even-keeled and nicely proportioned: soft and nearly lush on the palate, but has plenty of acid- ity keeping it firmly structured; a complex and very interesting wine that unfolds slowly; long finish. ($22) (92) Thorne-Clarke Terra Barossa Shiraz 2009 (Australia). A glass-coating opaque purple color, it is ripe, rich, yet light on its feet; flavorful, layered, and well-balanced; a real bargain. ($16, 1 liter) FOUR STARS (91) Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir 2009 (California). Red berry aroma; strawberry and raspberry flavors with hints of spice; moderate tannins and a moderately long, pleasant finish. ($36) (91) Charles Thomas Cotes du Rhone 2009 (France). The bouquet is a ripe and fresh fruit basket, showing lots of complexity and a light herbal note adding interest; medium-full, round and plush, this Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • November/December 2011 • 39