Cheers is dedicated to delivering hospitality professionals the information, insights and data necessary to drive their beverage business by covering trends and innovations in operations, merchandising, service and training.
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/598044
www.cheersonline.com 45 November/December 2015 • (96) Shypoke Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Calistoga (California). An aromatic, powerful, yet elegant cabernet aged in French oak. You'll swoon over the ménage of blackberries and cassis. This impeccable cab is simply delicious and worth every penny. ($55) (96) Stewart Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Napa (California). Enjoy the work of Paul Hobbs at less money. Cellar-worthy choice. Rich and plush with even tannins. Deep, dark and brooding with a long fi nish. ($65) (96) Susana Balbo Malbec 2012 (Argentina). Argentina's fl ying winemaker shows her talents with this one. Malbec and 8% cabernet make this a uniquely styled wine. Aromas of violets, black cherries, and plums dominate. Rich and supple, with a strong tannic backbone, this wine fi nishes with vanilla, tobacco, and dark chocolate fl avors. ($37) (95) Alexander Valley Vineyards Dry Rosé 2014 (California). A lovely pink/ salmon color greets the eye. Aromas of strawberry and watermelon with a hint of lilac lead to rich fl avors of wildberry, melon and mandarin. Around all is a wisp of sweet mint. The fi nish is long and zesty with a touch of Alexander Valley terroir. Try this with pasta Alfredo. ($15) (95) Brandlin Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder 2011 (California). A blend of 85% cabernet sauvignon, 9% petit verdot, 6% cabernet franc, aged 22 months in French barriques, 50% new. A wine of amazing depth. Aromas of currant, plum and blackberry mingle with fl oral nuances and a subtle earthiness. Rich, round black fruit fl avors coat the palate with lovely sweet/ tart acidity. Hints of smoke, spice and terroir follow. Tannins are supple and in perfect balance, with all components on the lengthy fi nish. ($65) (95) Chateau Chamaille Merlot 2011 (France). A classic old-style Bordeaux Rouge with 90% merlot, 8% cabernet sau- vignon and 2% cabernet franc. Fragrances of lilac and berry mingle with a hint of "la garrigue." On the palate, fl avors of blueber- ry, plum and spice harmonize beautifully with sweet/tart acidity. Tannins are supple; the fi nish is long with a subtle hint of terroir. Very nice now; the wine will benefi t from three to fi ve years of cellaring. ($18) (95) Chateau Dorleac 2012 (France). 97% merlot and 3% cabernet sauvignon. Lush fl oral aromas with hints of fl int and soil lead to ripe fl avors of blackberry and currant, all surrounded by the famous gravelly terroir of Graves. Though approachable now, the wine's fi rm tannins assure several years of rewarding development. ($15) (95) Chateau Grande Cassagne Rosé 2014 (France). A blend of 60% grenache and 40% syrah with a gorgeous, brilliant ruby color and fresh, ripe aromas of lilac and raspberry. Flavors of sweet/tangy berry and cherry dazzle the palate and fi nish with racy, crisp acidity. A perfect warm-weather aperitif. ($11) (95) Chateau Nozieres Ambroise de l'Her Cahors 2010 (France). Ninety percent malbec and 10% merlot aged 14 months in oak barrels. Blue/black in color and viscous in the glass. A bouquet of lilacs and berries leads to lovely fl avors of blueberry and spice with a touch of sweet and toasty oak. Tannins are supple with a touch of earthiness on the fi nish. Very French, very good! ($20) (95) Chateau Sainte Barbe 2011 (France). A blend of 70% merlot and 15% each of cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc, aged 9-12 months in oak. Robust and earthy with bold aromas and fl avors of blackberry, currant and vanilla. On the fi nish, fi rm tannins show with a good dose of terroir. Pair with roast beef, lamb or steak. ($17) (95) Clos Pegase Mitsuko's Vineyard Merlot 2013 (California). A very dark ruby in the glass, the nose is fi lled with spiced black and red fruit, with a hint of smoki- ness. Mouth fi lling, with lush dark fruit. The fi nish is long and balanced. ($35) (95) Decero Malbec Remolinos Vineyard- Agrelo 2011 (Argentina). The vineyard is located at 3,500 feet in Mendoza's sub-region of Agrelo where the grapes are hand picked. The wine, aged in French oak barrels for 14 months, is a superb example of modern Argentine winemaking. A fl oral nose leads to concentrated fl avors of sweet/tart red fruits with nuances of cedar, spice, and vanilla. The tannins are fi rm and linger with some lip-smacking acidity. Pair this with a good steak! ($23) (95) Domaine du Tariquet Rosé 2014 (France). A neat blend of 30% merlot, 30% cabernet franc, 15% tannat and 25% syrah. Hints of pomegranate, cherry and raspberry tantalize the nose and show up on the palate with a bit of ginger and pear. The mouthfeel is rather delicate, but intriguing. The fi nish is clean, refreshing and very satisfying. An elegant, delicious wine. ($13) (95) Domaine Saint Antoine Rosé 2014 (France). This is 100% syrah—and it shows. Cherry red in color with a fl oral bou- quet with notes of rose petal followed by cherry and red currant. Those fruit fl avors continue on the palate with hints of spice and minerality. The fi nish is long, lively, and lip-smacking, with just a bit of sweet fruit. Pair this with grilled salmon. ($11) (95) Alexander Valley Vineyards Dry Rosé 2014 (California). A lovely pink/ salmon color greets the eye. Aromas of strawberry and watermelon with a hint of lilac lead to rich fl avors of wildberry, melon and mandarin. Around all is a wisp of sweet mint. The fi nish is long and zesty with a touch of Alexander Valley terroir. Try this with pasta Alfredo. ($15)