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/658171
76 Beverage Dynamics • March/April 2016 www.beveragedynamics.com WINE SELECTIONS • CHARDONNAYS and zesty on the fi nish with lip-smacking acid- ity: an ideal aperitif, or will pair beautifully with milder Oriental cuisine. ($15) (95) Saracina 2014 (Mendocino County, CA). This is an interesting blend of 96% Chardonnay and 4% Viognier from organic grapes, unoaked. The small percentage of Viognier is noticeable, lending a bit of mouthfeel to the wine. Aromas and fl avors of ripe apple, pear and other fruits. There are hints of lemon/orange on the fi nish, with a hint of spiciness despite the lack of oak aging. This is an intriguing, unusual and deli- cious style of Chardonnay that will pair well with a cornucopia of cuisine. ($20) (95) Mt. Beautiful 2014 (North Canterbury, New Zealand). This will draw attention to the lovely Chardonnays produced in New Zealand that haven't received accolades they deserve. From certifi ed-sustainable vineyards, this is a rather New World/Old World style. It has nu- ances of wildfl owers, mineral and under-ripe fruit on the nose. These nuances continue on the palate, but then fruit fl avors become lush and mouth fi lling. The fi nish is long and lively with racy sweet/tart acidity and a hint of lemon/ grapefruit. Pair this with pork or fowl with a fruit glaze, or enjoy it as an aperitif. ($19) (94) Evening Land Seven Springs Chardon- nay 2013 (Willamette Valley, OR). A more affordable offering from one of the U.S's best producers. Eleven months of French Oak-aging is hard to comprehend when tasting how bal- anced this wine is. Classic fruit fl avors of apple, pear and tropical fruits highlight this Burgundian style. The only way to top this is to jump up to their highest end offering of the single block "Summum" Chardonnay. This wine is much more readily available and will turn into the ev- eryday Chardonnay of whoever takes the leap. ($45.99) (94) Goldschmidt Singing Tree Russian River Chardonnay 2014 (California). This is an ab- solutely gorgeous Chardonnay from start to fi nish. The subtle buttery notes are quickly complimented with soft tropical fruit and hints of Granny Smith apple, and all is surrounded by perfectly balanced acidity. ($17.99) (94) Maison Ambroise 2014 (Bourgogne Aligoté, France). A great entry into the world of Burgundy's white wines. Crisp, apple and lemon fruit with a lean, light mouthfeel. Bal- anced and fi rm on the fi nish, with lively acidity underneath. ($13.99) (93) Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2012 (Marlbou- rough, New Zealand). New Zealand is not always the fi rst place you think of when someone says "great Chardonnay," but with wines like the 2012 Cloudy Bay Chardonnay, it should be in the conversation. Intensely fruity, showing more cit- rus than most Chardonnay, Cloudy Bay makes a well-balanced, Chardonnay-lovers dream at a value that is hard to match. One of the world's premier Sauvignon Blanc producers is throwing its name in the hat for Chardonnay of the highest quality — and is on point. ($35.99) (93) Matthiasson, Linda Vista Vineyard Char- donnay 2013 (Napa, CA). Killer Cali chard with a Burgundian temperament. Incredible balance is this wine's hallmark. Fresh pear, yellow apple and almond paste are all present with great depth. Vibrant acidy provides the framework for the pure fruit and mineral expressions. ($27.49) (93) Miner Family Winery 2011 (Napa Val- ley, CA). From their Chardonnay series, this ABC Fine Wines & Spirits Orlando, FL Brad Lewis Director of Wine Sales ABC Fine Wines & Spirits Stuart, FL Josh Beerman 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 The Fridge Liquor Manhattan, KS Keith Spreckels, Jr. Wine Buyer 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 BEVERAGE DYNAMICS NATIONAL WINE PANEL (94) Migration 2013 (Russian River, CA). Only their fi fth release, winemaker Bo Felton is hitting his stride as Duckhorn expands from their Napa base and utilizes 14 of the best vineyard sites in the cool-cli- mate Russian River. Rich layers of com- plex tropical fruit on the nose lead to a rich balanced mouth feel, with rich vanilla and butterscotch on the fi nish. ($34.99)