Beverage Dynamics

Beverage Dynamics Nov-Dec 2015

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/599364

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 74 of 83

www.beveragedynamics.com November/December 2015 • Beverage Dynamics 75 THE BEST OF 2015 F I V E STA R W I N E S THE BEST OF 2015 THE BEST OF 2015 The Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel top recommendations from 2015. AS 2016 APPROACHES, we look back at the best wines reviewed by our retailer panel in 2015. The panel taste tests numer- ous wines annually; this year, they sipped and rated sauvignon blanc, malbec, merlot, rosé, and American cabernet sauvignons. The following wines were all graded as 5-star, meaning they earned at least 92/100 points from one of our retailers. If you're a beverage professional with a specialty in wine and you're interested in participating in the panel, please contact associate editor Kyle Swartz at kswartz@epgmediallc.com or 203-855-8499 x225. Malbec (98) Altamira Navigato Grand Reserve Malbec 2008 (Argentina). This is one serious malbec. High-altitude fruit from the Uco valley. Old-vine designation utilizing plantings from 1947. An exotic blend of malbec, cabernet sauvignon, and cabernet franc aged 24 months in French oak. Intense purple color, soft aromas of apri- cot, plum, and bright cherries. Elegant, supple mouthfeel, and a long, smooth fi nish. ($52) (97) Saracina Malbec 2011 (California). John Fetzer has been producing great organic wines since the '80s, now his Saracina winery con- tinues the passion. Vineyard-designated grapes shine in this California interpretation. Rich and full bodied, with soft hints of raisins, plums, cof- fee and dark chocolate. Soft, supple tannins lead to a long, lingering fi nish. ($45) (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 choco- late fl avors. ($37) (95) Lionel Osmin Cahors 2011. Classic Old- World malbec (100%) from a great producer, the wine is aged 10 months, 25% in oak bar- rels. The color is deep blue—almost purple. Aromas of black fruits, mocha, and "cigar-box" spiciness lead to bold fl avors of blackberry and plum balanced with fi rm tannins and a hint of lovely terroir. Nice now, it will cellar for several years. ($20) (95) Chateau Nozieres Ambroise de l'Her Cahors 2010. Ninety percent malbec and 10% merlot aged 14 months in oak barrels. Blue/ black in color and viscous in the glass. A bou- quet 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) Lionel Osmin La Reserve Malbec 2011 (France). An excellent example of malbec (100%) from Southwest France, home of the grape's origins. Aged 10 months, 80% stain- less, 20% oak. The wine has a beautiful deep- blue color. Aromas and fl avors of berry, black cherry, coffee, and some sweet spice fi nish with soft tannins and a hint of terroir. This is a great introduction to "old-world" malbec and a terrifi c value! ($13) (95) Decero Malbec Remolinos Vine- yard-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 wine- making. 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) Luigi Bosca Malbec 2011 (Argentina). In- tense with sweet tannins, ripe red fruits, cassis and black pepper tones. A pure and full-bodied malbec. This bold gem pairs nicely with braised short ribs, stews and game. ($17) (94) Achavel Ferrer Finca Bella Vista 2010. Move over Bordeaux: This is a keeper! Brood- ing, dark and powerful, with ripe tannins, elegant minerality and dark chocolate. A fi ne example of a collectible cellar wine. ($100) Sauvignon Blanc (97) Fiddlehead Cellars Goosebury Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (California). A "New World" style, fermented in stainless steel and unoaked to dis- play the beautiful aromas and fl avors charac- teristic of sauvignon blanc grown in the unique micro-climate of Happy Canyon. Fresh hints of peach, mango, and zest of mandarin min- gle with a mineral nuance on the nose. Those tropical fl avors gently take over the palate and carry through to the fi nish where the "terroir" and crisp, lively acidity make you smack your lips. New World, yes, but reminiscent of pouil- ly-fumé or sancerre. This is a must try for the connoisseur of sauvignon blanc. ($35)

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Beverage Dynamics - Beverage Dynamics Nov-Dec 2015