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/58579
RET AILER WINESELECTIONS FIVE STARS (96) Paridigm Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California). One of the truly hidden gems from the Napa Valley; round, sumptuous, with loads complexity; perfectly balanced with good fruit (cherry, blackberry) and notes of mocha and licorice; the acidity and structure make this a great wine to cellar for years or decant and serve with a hearty meal. ($51) (95) Fourteen Appellations 2007 (California). Sourcing fruit from 14 of the most prestigious vineyards in Napa Valley, Fourteen is the compilation of one amazing idea from four pioneers in the Napa Valley; a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec, with each playing its part to bring forth a wine full of boldness and originality. ($70) (95) J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (California). Sourced from Diamond Mountain in Napa; Big, lush, rich with loads of extraction; really tasty; should age nicely. ($90) (95) Little Stone Vineyard Adrian's Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California). Sourced from several top Napa vineyards and aged in French oak; 100% Cabernet Sauvignon; lovely aromas of lilac and blackberry; on the palate, ripe, lush flavors of blackberry, plum, and cherry meld with a hint of vanillin; supple tannins linger on the finish, balancing the wine. ($20) (94) Freemark Abbey Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (California). Rich and balanced with several tiers of dark currant, black cherry, black raspberry and cassis fla- vors; the full mid-palate offers spice and cocoa that carries through the long, lingering finish and fine tannins; delightful. ($35) (94) Cliff Lede Stag's Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (California). Lovely oak under- tones meld with mocha, toffee, coffee and black currant aromas; medium full and quite expansive on the palate, but maintains pinpoint precision to the unfolding fruit flavors, with red cherry, blueberry and cassis tinted by semi-sweet chocolate; everything is quite deftly balanced. ($63) (94) Vina Cobos Bramare Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (Argentina). Elegant and mouth-filling red with fruit, touch of vanilla and toasty oak; unfined/unfiltered. ($38) 60 • Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • March/April 2012 The Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel recommends a lineup of top quality/value Cabernet Sauvignons and Cabernet-based blends. (93) Gallo Signature Series Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (California). Big, intense berry fruit with overripe notes of black cherry; the big structure of tannin protect this velvet bomb; give this Cabernet proper aeration and enjoy. ($34) (93) Hess Collection Mount Veeder/ Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California). Black currants and floral notes on the nose; very well balanced and bold; a great Bordeaux blend from California. ($45) (93) Anticipation Napa Red Wine 2010 (California). This just-released Napa blend offers rich- ness and great depth along with tremendous fruit flavors; concentrated black cherry, plum, blackberry and cassis immediately burst onto the palate followed by the perfect balance of oak and tannins on the long finish. ($29) (93) Ca'Momi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (California). Fragrances of wild flower, blueberry, and cassis lead to a delightful palate of rich, ripe, black fruit flavors with hints of mocha; soft, supple tannins round out the wine on the long, slightly tart finish; simply delicious and easy to enjoy. ($20) For this issue, we asked members of the Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel to recommend their favorite Cabernet Sauvignons and Cabernet-based blends. As always, these selections include brief tasting notes, a rating and the wine' 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. s retail price (which varies from store to store and market to market). If