StateWays is the only magazine exclusively covering the control state system within the beverage alcohol industry, with annual updates from liquor control commissions and alcohol control boards and yearly fiscal reporting from control jurisdictions
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StateWays ■ www.stateways.com ■ January/February 2016 36 (93) Fulcrum, 2013 Pinot Noir (Brosseau Vineyard, Chalone, CA). The nose displays a little of that wild, smoky, earthy pinot noir funki- ness that pinotphiles adore. This is a medium-to-full-bodied red featuring dark, spicy berry fl avors folded into a bed of stony minerals. The substantial fi nish reveals understated notes of earth and mocha. ($50) (93) Joseph Drouhin Côte de Beaune Villages 2013 (Burgundy, France). From one of the best known names in Bur- gundy, the Côte de Beaune Villages brims with lovely red fruit. The mouth- feel is everything you'd expect from a Burgundy from the region. Elegant, soft, and supple. A real keeper. ($28.50) (93) Clos Pegase, Mitsuko's Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012 (Carneros, Napa Valley, CA). This single-vineyard pinot noir, from the one of the coolest regions in Napa Valley, shows great color, with a spicy combination of red and black fruit. Plenty of structure, and a bal- anced fi nish display its pedigree. ($35) (93) MacMurray Estate Vineyards Pinot Noir 2013 (Central Coast, CA). From a cool weather region, not far from Mon- terey Bay, this pinot noir shows plenty of elegance, with supple tannins, and supporting acidity. Enough structure to stand up to a wide variety of foods, the subtly spicy red and black fruits on the palate lead to a long and well-balanced fi nish. ($23) (93) Wild Ridge 2012 (Sonoma Coast). This pinot noir starts out starts out showing plenty of fruit, but as you give it some time the layers of spice, earth notes and beautifully balanced acidity unfold on the palate. This classic So- noma Coast pinot continues to evolve through the mid-palate as the acid- ity builds and the spice and fresh fruit notes fade perfectly. ($50) (92) Tiefenbrunner Turmhof Pinot Nero 2013 (Alto Adige, Italy). Famous for their Sauvignon Blanc, Tiefenbrunner dem- onstrates their ability of produce world class red wines, with this Pinot Noir. Bright and spicy red fruit, good acidity, and structure showcase the wine's qual- ity and class. ($28) (92) Sonoma Cuvee Pinot Noir 2013 (Russian River Valley). Distinctively fragrant, with a smooth profi le and a pleasant texture. Aromas and fl avors of raspberry, cola, tea and delicate notes of vanilla. The cleansing, pure fi nish is focused and deliciously velvety. ($28) (92) Testarossa Pinot Noir Cuvee 107 2014 (Santa Lucia Highlands). A lively pinot noir that delivers expressive aromas and fl avors of cranberry, raspberry, va- nilla and light notes of cedar. This wine shines with its richly textured mouth- feel that is skillfully balanced by the structured fi nish. ($25) (92) Ritual Pinot Noir 2014 (Casablanca Valley, Chile). Based on a collaboration between Agustin Huneeus and Paul Hobbs, this pinot noir reveals the po- tential for producing world-class wines in the Casablanca Valley. Red and black fruits, with hints of spice, contribute to the wine's appeal and complexity. An excellent value, as well as example of Chilean winemaking. ($20) (92) Astrolabe Pinot Noir 2013 (Marlbor- ough, New Zealand). A wonderful ex- ample of a New Zealand pinot noir. It possesses lots of great pinot character, with red fruit, and texture on the pal- ate. Plenty of fl avor, with an underlying acidity and tannic backbone contribute to its complexity. ($28) (92) On Point, 2013 Pinot Noir Christina's Cuvee (Anderson Valley, CA). This lushly textured pinot noir displays restrained nuances of mocha in the nose and pal- ette, followed by rich fl avors of dark chocolate-covered cherries, cassis, earth and spice. Wispy hints of wood smoke appear in the lengthy fi nish. ($32) (92) Benovia (Russian River, CA). Low yield and small production help cre- ate this textbook Russian River pinot. Deep ruby color with a juicy berry nose and palate. Add some mineral notes and a bit of plum and enjoy this complex wine with roasted squab and wild rice. ($36.95) (92) Cambria Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013 (California). This single-vineyard pinot noir is well-structured with bright cherry, raspberry and strawberry fl avors that are followed with a touch of spice. The fi nish has supple tannins and excellent length. This estate grown Pinot is certifi ed sustainable. $23 (92) Kudos Pinot Noir Rsv Yamhill Carl- ton 2014 (Willamette Valley). A complex pinot noir that manages to combine both elegance and power in its savory fl avors of raspberry, dark fruit, cola and earth; fi nely grained tannins and a bal- ancing core of acidity provide a very well-structured fi nish. ($25) WINE SELECTIONS ★ PINOT NOIR (92) Wente Riva Ranch Pinot Noir, Arroyo Seco 2012 (Monterey, CA). From one of California's pioneering winemaking families, this elegant, cool-climate pinot noir exhibits refi nement, with the appropriate nose and palate. Spicy red and black fruit, good tannins and acidity. The wine has a long and well-balanced fi nish. ($30) (91) Robert Mondavi Winery Napa Valley Pinot Noir 2013 (Napa Valley, CA). From one of the grandmasters of Napa Valley winemaking, this is a textbook example of Napa Valley pinot noir. Good tannins, with a spicy dark fruit profi le, the wine enjoys the type of fl avors, texture and style many other wineries hope to attain. ($26)