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
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/487591
StateWays ■ www.stateways.com ■ March/April 2015 44 (95) Yvon Mau 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (France). 100% Varietal with aromas and fl avors of tropical fruits and citrus. Racy, crisp, and dry on the fi nish with a hint of minerality. Also an excellent value. ($12) (95) 2013 La Chapiniere Touraine Sauvignon (France). Lush aromas and fl avors of honeydew, pineapple and grapefruit abound with lively, refreshing acidity on the lengthy fi nish. On the very end, a note of "fl int" shows up in a most delightful way. This wine has many characteristics of good Sancerre, and is more affordable. ($20) (95) Heron 2012 Sauvignon Blanc (California). Whole-cluster pressing and a three-week cold fermentation in stainless steel results in a refreshing fruit-forward style with no oak aging. A lush bouquet of peach and pear with a whiff of lemon-grass gets your attention. On the palate, you'll taste melon, apricot, and citrus with a hint of sweet anise. The fi nish is long and not-quite-dry. A simply lovely style. ($15) (94) 2013 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Aveta Sauvignon Blanc (California). Bright pale gold in the glass, the nose is a beautiful mix for tropical and citrus fruits, with a touch of the variety's signature grassiness. A long, balanced fi nish confi rms the wine's quality. ($26) (94) 2012 Robert Mondavi Reserve Fume Blanc (California). This barrel-fermented, single- vineyard wine is a brilliant bright gold in the glass, with plenty of notes on citrus, white peach, and fl oral hints. Good weight and texture contribute to the attractive grassiness and minerality. ($50) (94) Markham Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 2013 (California). Crisp, bright acidity balances the surprisingly lush and welcoming full mid-palette in this straw pale gem. Melon and apricot offset the citrus notes, making this a fi ne accompaniment to steamed bivalves or delicate seafood dishes. ($13) (93) Loveblock Sauvignon Marlborough 2013 (New Zealand). This new effort from Kim Crawford's hilltop vineyards has a welcoming appeal. It is NOT the one-note citrus, grapefruit style that pervades New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs, but rather a Five Stars (97) Fiddlehead Cellars 2013 Goosebury Sauvignon Blanc (California). A "New World" style, fermented in stainless steel and unoaked to display the beautiful aromas and flavors characteristic of Sauvignon Blanc grown in the unique micro- climate of Happy Canyon. Fresh hints of peach, mango, and zest of mandarin mingle with a mineral nuance on the nose. Those tropical flavors gently take over the palate and carry through to the finish where the "terroir" and crisp, lively acidity make you smack your lips. New World, yes, but reminiscent of Pouilly-Fume' or Sancerre. This is a must try for the connoisseur of Sauvignon Blanc. ($35) (95) 2013 J. Lohr Sauvignon Blanc, Carol's Vineyard (California). Named for Mr. Lohr's wife Carol, with a portion of proceeds going to breast cancer research. Classic Napa fruit, with a creamy texture and a perfume nose that offers up robust citrus hints. Rich and powerful with a lingering finish. ($28) S tateWays' sister publication Beverage Dynamics publishes a list of wine recommendations, called Retailer Wine Selections, in every issue based upon written evaluations by its National Retailer Wine Panel. Each review includes brief tasting notes, a rating and the wine's retail price (which varies from store to store and market to market). The following is a sampling of top Sauvignon Blancs chosen by the Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel from its latest issue. If you're a control state offi cial who specializes in wine and you'd like to be a member of the new StateWays wine panel, please email editor Jeremy Nedelka at jnedelka@specialtyim.com. Retailer Wine Selections SAUVIGNON BLANCS