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
76 Beverage Dynamics • November/December 2015 www.beveragedynamics.com FIVE STAR WINES • THE BEST OF 2015 (95) Heron Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (Califor- nia). Whole-cluster pressing and a three-week cold fermentation in stainless steel results in a refreshing, fruit-forward style with no oak aging. A lush bouquet of peach and pear with a whiff of lemongrass gets your attention. On the palate, you'll taste melon, apricot, and citrus with a hint of sweet anise. The fi nish is long and not-quite dry. A simply lovely style. ($15) (95) J. Lohr Sauvignon Blanc, Carol's Vine- yard 2013 (California). Named for Mr. Lohr's wife Carol, with a portion of proceeds going to breast cancer research. Classic Napa fruit, with a creamy texture and a perfume nose that offers up robust citrus hints. Rich and powerful with a ingering fi nish. ($28) (95) La Chapiniere Touraine Sauvignon 2013 (France). Lush aromas and fl avors of honey- dew, pineapple and grapefruit abound with lively, refreshing acidity on the lengthy fi nish. On the very end, a note of fl int shows up in a most de- lightful way. This wine has many characteristics of good sancerre, and is more affordable. ($20) (95) Yvon Mau Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (France). A 100% varietal wine with aromas and fl avors of tropical fruits and citrus. Racy, crisp, and dry on the fi nish with a hint of minerality. Also an excellent value. ($12) (94) Markham Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 2013 (California). Crisp, bright acidity balances the surprisingly lush and wel- coming full mid-palate in this straw-pale gem. Melon and apricot offset the citrus notes, mak- ing this a fi ne accompaniment to steamed bi- valves or delicate seafood dishes. ($13) (94) Robert Mondavi Reserve Fumé Blanc 2012 (California). This barrel-fermented, sin- gle-vineyard wine is a brilliant, bright gold in the glass, with plenty of notes of citrus, white peach and fl oral hints. Good weight and texture contribute to the attractive grassiness and min- erality. ($50) (94) Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Aveta Sauvi- gnon Blanc 2013 (California). Bright pale gold in the glass, the nose is a beautiful mix of tropi- cal and citrus fruits, with a touch of the variety's signature grassiness. A long, balanced fi nish confi rms the wine's quality. ($26) (93) Loveblock Sauvignon Marlborough 2013 (New Zealand). This new effort from Kim Craw- ford's hilltop vineyards has a welcoming appeal. It is not the one-note, citrus/grapefruit style that pervades New Zealand sauvignon blancs, but rather a lush, aromatic quaff with notes of pas- sion fruit, peach and mandarin orange. A perfect accompaniment to Thai dishes, sushi and soft- shell crabs. ($24) (93) Cakebread Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (California). Elegant and noteworthy. This wine shines with hints of nectarine and stone. Well balanced, pleasing long fi nish. A must with food. ($35) (93) Duckhorn Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (California). The 31st vintage continues to pay homage to the classic white Bordeaux, sauvignon blanc/semillion blend and oak aging. Rich and full-bodied, strong citrus notes with an underlying thread of minerality. A classic Napa Valley sauvignon with a perfect marriage of sub- tle grapefruit and lingering melon fl avors. The balance of acidity and fruit make for a beautiful experience. ($30) (93) Oberon Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (Califor- nia). The wine is 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 ex- ceptionally well balanced, with a long, attractive fi nish. ($18) (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) Whitehall Lane Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (California). Crisp and delightful with a good balance of grapefruit and lime. The fi nish is grat- ifying and allows it to work well with linguine and clams in a white broth. ($18) Rosé (97) Champagne Henriot, Brut Rosé (France). A stunning example of a world-class rosé Champagne. From the brilliant salmon-pink color to the fi ne and delicate mousse, you can see its pedigree. Delicate strawberry and cherry on the nose are followed by a palate of com- plexity and elegance. A long, balanced fi nish confi rms the wine's pedigree and class. Out- standing. ($70) (95) Chateau Grande Cassagne Rosé 2014 (France). A blend of 60% grenache and 40% syrah with a gorgeous, brilliant ruby color with fresh, ripe aromas of lilac and raspberry. Fla- vors of sweet/tangy berry and cherry dazzle ABC Fine Wines & Spirits Orlando, FL Brad Lewis Director of Wine Sales Andina Restaurant/ Pearl Wine Shop Portland, OR Ken Collura Director/Sommelier Atlantic Liquors Rehoboth Beach, DE John Driscoll Wine Manager Bay Ridge Wine & Spirits Annapolis, MD Phil Altherr, GM Katie Harper, Wine Sales Berbiglia Wine & Spirits Kansas City, MO Ralph J. Bondon Vice President/Owner Beverages & more! Concord, CA Wilfred Wong E-Commerce Cellar Master Bocanova Oakland, CA Gerardo Acevedo-Vanni GM/Sommelier Bottle Bargains Northport, NY Ryan Armstrong Store Manager Bottle King Liquors Livingston, NJ Steve Carpentier General Manager Bowery & Vine Wine & Spirits New York, NY Bill Beard Manager Brown Derby Stores Springfi eld, MO John Riley Retail Fine Wine Buyer BTG Wine Bar Salt Lake City, UT Louis Koppel Sommelier Bullfrog Wine and Spirits Fort Collins, CO Chuck Carlson GM/Certifi ed Sommelier Cordially Yours Wine and Spirits Depew, NY Jeannine Babcock Director Wine & Spirits Cotuit Liquors Marston Mills, MA Dan O'Brien President Crestwood Liquors Coventry, RI Matthew A. Reay VP Marketing/Merch. Flute New York, NY Herve Rousseau Owner Frugal MacDoogal's Nashville, TN Jack Mantle Wine Department Great Domains & Estates Windsor, CA Larry LaScola General Manager Hakkasan Group London, England Christine Parkinson Group Head of Wine Happy Harry's Bottle Shop Grand Forks, ND Dustin Mitzel General Manager Haskell's Minnetonka, MN Ted Farrell President Holiday Wine Cellar Escondido, CA Jim Kern Manager/Wine Buyer Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits Silvis, IL Kevin Miller Wine & Spirits Manager NATIONAL RETAILER WINE PANEL