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
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StateWays ■ www.stateways.com ■ July/August 2015 46 elegance. A dense ruby in the glass, the notes of dark fruit and toast are echoed on the powerful, yet bal- anced, palate. Lots of delicious fruit, from start to long fi nish. ($50) (93) 2012 Northstar Cabernet Sauvi- gnon (Washington). From one of the Columbia Valley's most acclaimed wineries, this Cabernet exemplifi es the potential of Washington wines. A dense purple in the glass, notes of dark fruit, spice, and toast rise from the glass. On the palate, the fruit is bright and clean, and the well-bal- anced fi nish lingers on for quite some time. ($41) (93) B.R. Cohn Gold Label 2012 (California). Blend of 67% Napa County, 33% Sonoma County Rich, lush, generous Cabernet showing nuances of both Napa and Sonoma. Classic currant notes, dark fruits, mocha, plum and well-integrated acidity and tannins for full bodied smooth fi nish. ($42) (93) Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). Com- plex and satisfying with plush fruits of black cherry and nuances of espresso and bittersweet chocolate. A great match with short ribs, veal dishes and hard cheeses. ($45) (93) The Counselor Alexander Val- ley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (Cali- fornia). This Cabernet is wonderfully complex with many different fl avors that sneak up on you like cocoa, to- bacco and currant. There is intensity to this wine, which with time turns into velvety goodness. ($32) (93) 2012 Red Mare Cabernet Napa (California). This concentrated, at- tractive Cabernet offers saturated fl a- vors of cassis, baking spices, leather, and dark chocolate that integrate nicely with the wine's broad, expan- sive fi nish. ($50) (93) 2012 Amavi Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon (Washington). 100% es- tate grown, the nose is bursting with blueberry and baking spices. The palate is layered with cassis, currants, and black licorice. Everything is brought together by racy minerality and soft dusty tannins on the fi nish. A delicious glass of wine - perfect for summer grilling. ($46) (92) 2012 Rubus Cabernet Sauvi- gnon (Napa Valley CA). 2012 Napa Valley Cabernet for under $40, Rubus is an absolute steal. Ripe blackberry, currants, and nuances of tobacco and vanilla on the palate. The fi nish is long and impressive with notes of chocolate and black cherries. Finishes with just a touch of fi ne silky tannins. ($25) (92) Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet (Washington). Big and bold wine that opens to lots of inviting black cherry and a touch of vanilla. Touch of min- erality and cocoa. Serious Cabernet for a reasonable price. ($15) (92) 2011 Chateau St. Jean Caber- net Sauvignon (Alexander Valley CA). A winner from a diffi cult vin- tage, dry and rich with complex black raspberry and black cherry notes, fi ne tannins and a long fi nish. (92) Katherine Goldschmidt Crazy Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). A small-production Cabernet from famed wine maker Nick Goldschmidt. The elegance of this wine is perfectly balanced with the controlled berry fruit that wants to jump out of the bottle but doesn't. This wine is satisfying from start to fi nish, and is one of the best Cabernet values out there. ($18) (92) Eaglewood Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Rutherford (Cali- fornia). The bouquet is a bit subdued, but hints at a lovely array of ripe red berry, black cherry and currant aro- mas lightly framed with mild oak. It is smooth and supple on the palate, dis- playing excellent balance and builds in depth across the palate, with black currant, cherry, blackberry and plum fl avors, and subtle spice notes in the background. A steely edge indicates fi rm tannins, but they are very well integrated. ($35) (92) Groth Oakville Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (California). Dense and rich with a concentrated core of black cherry, blackberry, dark plum and blueberry fl avors that are sup- ported by hints of herbs and cedary oak. The long fi nish is supported by a touch of vanilla and polished tan- nins. ($49) (92) 2012 Mathew Joseph Cabernet (Napa Valley CA). Notes of cherry and chocolate are abundant on the nose. Full fl avors of ripe cherries lead to a well-balanced, lingering fi nish. ($25) (92) 2012 Philippe Lorraine Cab- ernet Reserve Napa (California). A full-bodied wine defi ned by its beauti- ful purity, it possesses captivating fl a- vors of blackberries, cedar, cocoa, and earth that weave together to make a wine of outstanding complexity. ($40) (92) 2012 Monticello Cabernet Jef- ferson Napa (California). Rich to its core, this Cabernet offers supple aro- mas of blueberry and dark chocolate followed by luscious fl avors of black currant, baking spices, and savory earth that echo throughout the long fi nish. ($40) (92) 2012 Ranch House Cabernet Napa (California). Beautiful blue- berry, black cherry, baking spice, and cigar box fl avors cascade over the pal- ate and weave together in a fabulously complex medley; sweet tannins and spicy oak add further nuance. ($30) (92) 2012 Santo Stefano Cabernet Rutherford (California). Boasting fl avors of black cherry, dark choco- late and spice, this Cabernet stands out for its rich, smooth profi le; dusty tannins and an opulent mouth-feel a make for a wonderfully pleasurable fi nish. ($30) (92) 2013 Seven Rings Cab- ernet Oak Knoll (Califor- nia). Red fruits intermixed with blackberries, spring flowers, and spicy cedar skillfully con- tribute the complex palate; a WINE SELECTIONS ★ AMERICAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON