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
(93) Torres Gran Coronas Reserva-DO 2006 (Penedes, Spain). Made from 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Tempranillo; elegant and beautifully balanced with aromas and flavors of plum, cassis, coffee, and oak; velvety smooth on the palate with soft tannins and a hint of terroir on the finish. ($20) (93) William Hill Estate Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (California). Black fruit on the nose is accented with spice and hints of coffee; the palate shows power and richness, with a long and balanced finish; drink some now, but set a couple of bottles aside for an added treat. ($40) (93) Justin Vineyards Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (California). The warmth of the Paso Robles region is evident here, with plenty of dark color and rich fruit; the wine delivers lots of elegance along with the power underneath; immediately satisfying, and will improve with aging. ($25) (92) Ch. Dufort-Vivens Margaux Bordeaux 2009 (France). From one of the top properties, in one of the most famous wine appella- tions on the planet, this wine ably demonstrates why Bordeaux is so widely respected for the benchmark quality wines produced here; elegance abounds on the nose and palate; decanting will be rewarded, as will 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. (91) Joel Gott Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (California). Juicy and up front with ripe red fruits, hints of tobacco, and dusty tannins; good length on the finish with the tannins becoming a bit more noticeable. ($17) (92) Kiona Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (Washington State). Structured and layered with rich flavors of dark ripe fruit, a touch of earthy undertones, oak, and brilliant acidity; drinking beauti- fully now; made from 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 5% Syrah, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Sangiovese. ($16) (92) Hollywood & Vine Short Ends Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (California). Cherry aroma; cherry, cassis and clove taste; sub- stantial tannins and a nice long finish. ($34) (92) Titus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California). The combi- nation of an easy to love vintage in Napa along with the grape growing and winemaking skills of the Titus brothers makes this a standout; classic Napa Cab with rich toasty oak, and flavors of black cherry, berry and violet; soft and elegant. ($35) setting a few bottles aside for enjoy- ment in the future. ($40) (92) Robert Mondavi Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (California). As always, the master Napa Valley win- ery delivers the goods; with Old World elegance, and New World richness, this wine delivers plenty; the finish is long, allowing the bright dark fruit to complement any number of dishes. ($28) (92) Montgras Winery Colchagua Valley Quatro Blend 2010 (Chile). Lots of ripe red and black fruit on the nose are echoed by the palate; the blend adds levels of complexity, contributing to the bal- ance; the finish is long and satisfying; wonderful value. ($15) (92) Lyeth Chronology Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (California). This Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon offers a nice elegant balance of fruit, acidity and tannins; flavors of blackberry, cher- ry, and plum are evident with a smooth mid palate that gives way to a touch of spice and oak on a well- balanced finish. ($35) (92) Tuck Beckstoffer Amulet Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (California). Big, rich and very cor- rect for Napa Valley; layered, dark fruit, mocha and oak notes; well structured, with polished tannins. ($30) (92) Chateau Poujeaux Moulis Cru Bourgeois 2009 (France). A terrific example from the newly released and heralded 2009 vintage, this Bordeaux is half Cabernet Sauvignon and has a high percentage of Merlot; it already dis- plays some of the fleshy quality that many of the great Grand Cru Classe do; the fruit- red and black fruits- are very ripe and the wine drinks with good balance; tannins at this point are very easy and soft. ($35) FOUR STARS (91) Stag's Leap Wine Cellar Artemis Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (California). Fruity nose; cherry and clove flavors with a hint of mint; medium tannins and a long, satisfying finish. ($54) Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • March/April 2012 • 61