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 48 • November/December 2015 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-balanced fi nish lingers on for quite some time. ($41) (93) Oberon Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (California). A brilliant pale gold in the glass, the nose is a lovely mix of tropical and citrus fruits, with a subtle fl oral hint. The palate is exceptionally well balanced, with a long, attractive fi nish. ($18) (93) Red Mare Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2012 (California). This concentrated, attractive cabernet offers saturated fl avors of cassis, baking spices, leather and dark chocolate that integrate nicely with the wine's broad, expansive fi nish. ($50) (93) St. Francis Reserve Merlot 2012 (California). Black and red fruit explode from the glass, with hints of cocoa and spice. A very dark ruby, the wine has great fruit and weight in the mouth. The fi nish is extremely long, and balanced to the very end. ($40) (93) The Counselor Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). This cabernet is wonderfully complex with many different fl avors that sneak up on you, such as cocoa, tobacco and currant. There is intensity to this wine, which with time turns into velvety goodness. ($32) (93) Trione River Road Ranch Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (California). A delicious white, loaded with complex citrus and tropical fruit notes. Long, elegant and beautifully balanced. ($25) (93) Vina Cobos Felino Malbec 2012 (Argentina). This Felino malbec carries a deep magenta hue and aromas of dark berries and anise. On the palate, intense, pure fl avors of just-picked raspberries, black plum and graphite unfold in velvety layers. Exotic notes of ginger and white pepper carry through the mid-palate to intermingle with fi rm tannins and notes of cedar on the fi nish. ($21) (93) Whitehall Lane Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (California). Crisp and delightful with a good balance of grapefruit and lime. The gratifying fi nish allows it to work well with linguine and clams in a white broth. ($18) (92) Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve 2011 (Argentina). Concentrated cassis, peppercorn and blueberry with a touch of mocha on the fi nish. This malbec's medium-bodied structure can handle a good steak. ($25) (92) Beniziger Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). The Benziger family has been one of Sonoma's sustainability pioneers, with their well-thought-out vineyard and winery practices. This care and attention to detail are demonstrated by the quality of this wine. Showing lots of dark fruit, berry, plum and cherry on the nose, the palate confi rms the freshness and energy. The fi nish is long and balanced, with plenty of fi nesse and class. ($22) (92) Chateau La Tour St Anne Rosé 2014 (France). This delicate wine delivers cherry and strawberry notes. It pairs well with lighter dishes or on its own, and should be served well chilled. ($15) (92) Chateau St. Jean Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (California). A winner from a diffi cult vintage, dry and rich with complex black raspberry and black cherry notes, fi ne tannins and a long fi nish. (92) Colome Malbec 2012 (Argentina). This is defi nitely the whole milk of malbec, with some of the highest-elevation fruit on the planet. The grapes have a rich concen- tration of fl avors that show dramatically through every sip. Savor this malbec with a grilled steak or simply after dinner by a fi re on a cold winter night. ($28) (92) Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet (Washington). Big and bold wine that opens to lots of inviting black cherry and a touch of vanilla. A touch of minerality and cocoa. Serious cabernet for a reasonable price. ($15) (92) Columbia Winery Merlot 2013 (Washington). Quite a dark ruby color to the eye. Lots of red fruit, with hints of spiciness and toast. Lots and lots of red fruit on the palate, with good weight and breadth. A very food-friendly wine; try it with a wide range of dishes. ($17) (92) Domaine Sainte Croix Cuvee Montlaures Rosé 2014 (France). Lively and elegant, full-up berries and minerality leading to a balanced, fruity fi nish. ($24) (92) Dr. Konstantin Frank, Dry Rosé 2014 (New York). The darker pink color showcases the blend of different varieties—pinot noir, merlot, cabernets sauvignon and franc. Ripe and attractive berry fruit on the nose is followed by a taste that's clean and bright, with a refreshing and satisfying fi nish. ($15) (92) Eaglewood Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). The bouquet hints at a lovely array of ripe red berry, black cherry and currant aromas lightly framed with mild oak. It is smooth and supple on the palate, displaying excellent balance, and builds in depth across the palate, with black currant, cherry, black- berry 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) Franciscan Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). A well-bal- anced example of talented grape growing and winemaking. A dark ruby in the glass, the blackberry, sweet cherry, and spice notes rise from the glass. The wine has weight, but is not heavy on the palate. Enjoy this with a wide range of foods. ($28) (92) Franciscan Estate Merlot 2012 (California). Dark ruby in the glass, with purple hints. The nose is fi lled with sweet cherry and red fruit. Plenty of dark fruit in the mouth. Good weight, and a lengthy, well-balanced fi nish. ($21) (92) Franciscan Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (California). Looking at the wine in the glass, it is a brilliant straw with subtle green hints. The nose is dominated by citrus, with some stone fruit and spice. The palate is bright, clean, and echoes the nose. The fi nish is quite long, with a lovely aftertaste. ($17)