Beverage Dynamics

Beverage Dynamics Mar-Apr 2016

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.

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www.beveragedynamics.com March/April 2016 • Beverage Dynamics 75 WINE SELECTIONS R E TA I L E R The Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel rate and review their favorite chards. FOR THIS ISSUE, we asked members of the Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel to taste and rate chardonnays. 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, please contact associate editor Kyle Swartz at kswartz@specialtyim.com or 203-855-8499 x2225. FIVE STARS (98) J.Lohr Vineyards and Wines J.Lohr Ar- royo Vista 2014 (Monterey, CA). Winemaker Kristen Barnhisel continues the fi ne-tuning on Lohr's ultimate version of the great white Bur- gundys of France. Classic techniques abound, from early-morning handpicking/sor ting and stirring of the lees to extended barrel aging (14 months). Great mouth feel, very viscous, rich fl avors, and a long, lingering fi nish. A true Monterey classic that should have the French looking over their shoulders. ($29.99) (98) Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard Summum Chardonnay 2013 (Willamette Valley, OR). As far as I am concerned, this is the best white wine made in America. Their effor ts to create a Grand Cru the likes of white Burgundy have been realized. The most precise Ameri- can Chardonnay I have ever tasted, this wine dances on the palate on the way to a long, satisfying fi nish. The epitome of balance and elegance, no Chardonnay you try will be able to match. ($89.99) (97) Davis Bynum River West Vineyard 2013 (Russian River Valley, CA). Single vineyard. French oak barrel-fermentation and aging. 100% malolactic fermentation. Aged sur lie. The result? Rich, buttery, toasty, classic Russian River Char- donnay! A bouquet of baked fruits and spices leads to a creamy texture that coats the palate with fl avors of apple, pear and apricot, with a hint of vanilla/butterscotch. There is still a crisp acidity on the fi nish that adds great length. ($25) (95) Beaucanon Estate 2012 (Napa Valley). This lovely Chardonnay defi nitely has a French fl air. The grapes are 100% organic. Understated tropical fruit aromas and fl avors with slightly toasted oak under tones. A rich, honey-like texture. The balance of fruit, oak and acidity is perfect. A lovely hint of minerality lingers on the fi nish. All components harmonize and gently coat the palate and stay. It is reminiscent of a good Meursault in style. The 2012 vintage is now peaking beautifully. Ideal for seafood. ($25) (95) Heron 2013 (California). The owner, Laely Heron, is an innovator. She contracts with growers from premier California AVAs for her wines. The grapes are sourced from Russian River Valley, Carneros and Santa Maria Valley from 22-25-year-old vines. She incorporates whole-cluster pressing with barrel aging of up to fi ve months with no malolactic fermentation. The wine is lively and refreshing with lush fl a- vors of peach, mango and citrus. It's long, crisp CHOOSING CHARDONNAYS ★★★★★ Five Stars (92-100) A top-flight wine. Superior in taste and character and providing an out- standing 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. RATING SYSTEM (97) Duckhorn Vineyards 2013. (Napa, CA). This, only their second release for a Chardonnay, confi rms that Duckhorn and Renee Ary are on the right path. Rich, vibrant fruit highlights the best fruit sourced from 11 prime valley sites. Peach and melon notes balance the touches of citrus fruits. Very de- tailed barrel fermentation program includes hand stirring of the lees. ($39.99)

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