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/64274
RET AILER WINESELECTIONS FIVE STARS (96) Catena Alta Chardonnay 2009 (Argentina). Sourced from two vineyard locations (Adrianna and Domingo), this wine bursts with beautiful lemon and citrus fruit flavors on the nose; notes of toast, vanilla, and caramel carry over to the palate finishing with an elegant, seamless cornucopia of flavors that seem to last forever. ($29) (96) Vieux Telegraph Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2009 (France). Elegance, craft and style manifest in this beautiful Southern Rhône blend; driven by grenache blanc and balanced with minerality from the rocky soil, it is fresh and enjoyable now but will age beautifully for at least 10 years. ($85) (95) Buty White 2010 (Washington State). Beautiful white Bordeaux blend, with each grape varietal bringing a unique element to the wine; the semillon (61%) provides rich body and velvety mouth-feel; the sauvignon blanc (21%) provides zingy acidity and citrus notes; and the mus- cadelle (18%) fills the bouquet with gorgeous notes of fresh rose petals and lavender; balanced and fresh. ($26) (95) La Sirena Muscato Azul 2008 (California). Noted wine- maker Heidi Barrett makes this dry style of muscat showing a vast array of different tropical, peach, and citrus fruit on the nose; highlighted by brilliant acidity on the palate, the wine is fresh and clean. ($30) (94) Château des Proms Bellevue Graves Bordeaux Blanc Cuvee 2010 (France). Classic, Old World White Graves; 80% semillon, 10% sauvignon blanc, 10% sauvi- gnon gris; delicate floral bouquet leads to a rich, full palate with hints of melon and fig with a refreshing touch of citrus; the unique "flint" of the terroir of Graves shows beauti- fully on the finish; will complement most any light cuisine, and is delightful by itself; exceptional value. ($13) (93) Besitos D.O. Valencia Moscato 2010 (Spain).If you enjoy Moscato d'Asti from Italy, this will delight you; like its Italian cousins, it's lightly effervescent (frizzante), but more delicate and not quite as sweet; aromas and fla- vors of rose petal, peach, apricot and nectarine harmonize into a simply delectable and refreshing summer sipper. ($10) 40 • Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • May/June 2012 The Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel recommends a lineup of top quality/value white wines for summer drinking. For this issue, we asked members of the Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel to recommend their favorite white wines for summer drinking. As always, these selections include brief tasting notes, a rating and the wine's retail price (which varies from store to store and market to market). If you're a retail beverage professional who would like to learn about participating in our panel, call Richard Brandes at 212-353-3832, or email him at rbrandes@m2media360.com. (93) Dom Christian Moreau Chablis 1er Cru Vaillon 2010 (France). Great Chablis from a classic vintage; impressive miner- ality and fruit to the long finish; fruit shows pure lemon and resin notes; a balanced and lively palate. ($59) (93) Elsa Bianchi Mendoza Torrontés 2011 (Argentina). Argentina's uniquely interesting white variety (there are actually three species of torrontés RATING SYSTEM FIVE STARS (92-100) A top- flight wine. Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price/value relationship. FOUR STARS (86-91) A very good wine and an excellent value. A wine for which customers will keep coming back. THREE STARS (80-85) An above- average wine, at a reasonable price point, which many customers will enjoy. TWO STARS (70-79) An average wine. ONE STAR (50-69) A below-average wine.