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/51989
RET AILER WINESELECTIONS FIVE STARS (95) Benessere B. K. Collins Vineyard Old Vines Napa Valley Zinfandel 2006 (California). A huge wine from a winery that deserves a whole lot more attention than it has been getting; one of the finest zinfandels on the market. ($30) (95) Vermeil Luvisi 1908 Vineyard Zinfandel 2009 (California). The 1908 Block Zinfandel has bright, succulent fruit flavors that are just like biting into a juicy blackberry; some peppery spice and evident tannins balance the structure of the wine; a Napa Valley beauty that's mouth-filling, intense and delicious. ($38) (95) Deux Amis Sonoma County Zinfandel 2007 (California). Aromas and flavors of lilac, blackberry, white pepper, and clove all harmonize without being jammy; adds a bit of petite sirah for backbone and length; nice now, the '07 will cellar for several years. ($18) (94) Seghesio Old Vine Sonoma County Zinfandel 2009 (California). A real mouth-filling, rich winner, with black cherry, dark berries, and hints of spice; a very sat- isfying example of the best of Sonoma County zinfandel. ($38) (94) Ravenswood Old Hill Sonoma Valley Zinfandel 2008 (California). Blackberry and pepper aromas, followed by blackberry, pep- per and spice flavors; big tannins; a very long finish. ($60) (94) Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel 2009 (California). Lush, ripe flavors of black cherry, raspberry, coffee, and dark chocolate cover the palate and linger; great for grilled steak, lamb, game and pastas. ($17) (93) Mara Dolinsek Ranch Russian River 2005 Zinfandel (California). Huge and jammy, with a port-like complexity, this wine delivers gobs of purple fruits, with a blueberry and cinnamon backbone; begs for a rack of St. Louis-style spare ribs slathered in a sweet 'n' spicy sauce. ($33) (93) XY Zinfandel 2007 (California). Aromas of raspberry and baked cherry pie; fresh fruit up front The Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel recommends a lineup of top quality/value zinfandels. with a well balanced finish; 100% zin- fandel at its finest. ($17) (92) Storybook Mayacamas Range Zinfandel 2007 (California). This is an old-style whopper zinfandel, with lots of fruit and lots of body. ($33) (92) A. Rafanelli Dry Creek Zinfandel 2009 (California). Ripe, jammy berry aromas lead to deep berry and oak flavors on the palate; a little spice on the finish makes this wine outstanding. ($45) (92) Ridge East Bench Zinfandel 2009 (California). A big, rich red that doesn't sacrifice complex- ity; classic black fruit and spice notes with a long, complex finish. ($30) (92) Ca' Momi Napa Valley Zinfandel 2009 (California). Soft and elegant with hints of black fruit, briar, and delicate spice flavors; a harmonious wine with beautiful varietal characteristics; simply deli- cious and a surprising value. ($12) (92) Macchia Vineyards Mischievous Lodi Zinfandel 2010 (California). A fruit-forward wine Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • January/February 2012 • 33 For this issue, we asked members of the Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel to recommend some of their favorite zinfandels. This hearty have been grown in Old W orld regions, such as Italy wine and perfect for pairing with heavier dishes like roasts and stews. As always, these selections include brief tasting notes, a rating and the wine' market). If you're a retail 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. , red grape has long been venerated in California and its relatives , for many centuries. It is a classic, intense winter red s retail price (which varies from store to store and market to