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
minerality; full bodied and well balanced; 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles. ($19) (91) Olema Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (California). Dark ruby color in the glass; pleasant notes of cherry, berry fruits with hints of cedar and cocoa; nice herbal notes layered in; soft tannins on the finish. ($20) (91) Priest Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (California). Fairly massive wine from Eastern Napa; concentrated dark berries laced with tobacco and spice; long, lingering finish. ($39) (91) Layer Cake Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (California). Powerful dark berry aromas complement the flavors of leather tobacco and spicy plumb; velvety mouthfeel gives way to a long jammy finish. ($16) (91) Andeluna Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (Argentina). Aroma of pepper and ripe red fruit; well balanced and full bodied with hints of chocolate and light oak. ($15) (91) Joseph Carr Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (California). The bouquet is subtle but classically Cabernet, with a light edge of oak and cream; smooth and supple, the palate builds in intensity and depth, with a nice mix of black cherry, cassis, licorice and herb fla- vors; good balance. ($23) (91) Chateau Barbe Blanche Lussac-Saint-Emilion 2009 (France). Crushed blueberry and black cherry on the nose; full- bodied, black fruit, plum, impressive firm lively palate with a well balanced acidity which is backed by chewy tannins and oak nuances; rich fruit finish with complexity and very good concentration for this appellation. ($30) (91) Santo Stefano Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (California). A balancing of dark berry fruits and hints of roasted coffee beans on the nose; good dose of vanilla oak that does not mask the cherry and berry nuances; nice earthy characteris- tics too; evolves in the glass. ($25) (91) Broadside Margarita Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (California). Intense fruit, a touch of (91) Artesa Winery Elements Napa/Sonoma Counties Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California). Using different appellations to add to the complexity and balance of the wine, Napa's power is counterbalanced by Sonoma elegance; black fruit, choco- late, and spice on the nose are followed by plenty of dark fruit and power on the palate; reasonably priced, it's a won- derful example of North Coast winemaking. ($20) (91) Principe Corsini Maremma Birillo Blend Tuscany 2008 (Italy). A Tuscan blend of Cabernet and Merlot, the Birillo shines with red fruit and spice on the nose; the palate is a bal- anced combination of red fruit and spice; the finish goes on and on. ($24) (90) Dusted Valley Vintners Boomtown Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (Washington State). From one of Walla Walla's best pro- ducers, this wine is accessible and eminently enjoyable; the fruit is evident, highlighted by spice and toast; the rich palate is balanced by tannins and acidity in the right propor- tions. ($16) 62 • Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • March/April 2012 (91) Pine Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (California). This 100% Cabernet Sauviginon from the Napa Valley is seamless with just the right balance of oak, fruit, and spice; a great wine for those collectors and general Cabernet lovers alike. ($54) (90) Daglia Canyon Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). Core of ripe plum and black cherry, currant and spice; good body; ends with mild tannins and structure; complex and hearty for the price point. ($18) (90) Alterra Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). A core of ripe, rich cur- rant and black cherry flavors; finishes with supple integrated tannins; a wonderful value. ($15) (90) Dry Creek Vineyards Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California). The bouquet is a bit restrained but it does show some spicy zest over its core of ripe black fruit; dry edges frame the palate and a ripe core of red currant and black cherry roll through the middle, with the tannin kicking in late to brace things. ($20) (90) Flora Springs Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California). Some green veggie notes pop out of the bouquet at first and then the oak moves in to round things out, followed by ripe currant and red raspberry aromas; medium-