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/724527
46 Beverage Dynamics • September/October 2016 www.beveragedynamics.com (91) Brennan Vineyards "Super Nero" Nero d Avala 2012 (Texas). Vineyards were fi rst planted in 2002, and refl ect Dr. Brennan's goal to pro- duce "sophisticated wines with Texas roots." Almost old-world in style, with muted fruit. Aged 12 months in oak. Perfect wine for a pasta din- ner. ($23.99) (91) Cadaretta Sauvigon Blanc/Semillon 2013 (Washington). Bordeaux-style white blends are becoming the in-thing in Washington State, and Cadaretta could be considered part of the rea- son. Fresh citrus and a hint of grassiness leap from the glass and onto your palate. The perfect amount of acidity keeps the fi nish crisp and clean enough to make you yearn for more. ($23.99) (91) Dr. Konstantin Frank Chardonnay 2012 (New York). Some of the best-value Chardon- nay you can fi nd, Dr. Konstantin Frank delivers again with the 2012 barrel fermented Chardon- nay. To say it's impossible to fi nd the balance, mouth feel and heartiness for this price any- where else in America would be an understate- ment. Fresh pineapple, honeysuckle and vanilla burst from the nose and echo in the palate. Pair this with the next seafood dish you poach in butter. ($16.99) (91) River Road Chardonnay 2015 (Sonoma, CA). Rich and pure fl avors of green apple, mango and rich bartlett pear are balanced out with moderate oak use. There is a great mouth- feel with rounded-out ripeness from the Sonoma weather. ($15) (91) Bonny Doon Vin Gris Rosé 2014 (Cali- fornia). A fi eld blend of eight different varieties make up Bonny Doon's '14 vin gris. The pale pink color makes us reminisce of Provence, which is precisely the idea winemaker Randall Graham was going for. One of the more elegant rosés you will have this year, it is highlighted by hints of wild strawberry and watermelon and just enough of a fi nish to make you wonder what is left. ($19.99) BD BEER SELECTIONS R E TA I L E R GERMAN FEST FOR OUR LATEST ROUND OF NATIONAL RETAILER BEER PANEL reviews, we asked panelists to taste German-style beers. These reviews include brief tasting notes and a rating. If you're a retail or off-premise professional who would like to learn more about participating in our panel, please contact Kyle Swartz at (203) 855-8499 ext. 2225 or kswartz@epgmediallc.com. The Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Beer Panel journeys through German styles. WINE SELECTIONS • ALL−AMERICAN WINES FIVE STARS (97) Hacker-Pschorr Original Oktoberfest / Okto- berfest Märzen (Munich, Germany). Warm honey on toasted bread, light toffee, earthy, spicy malt, herbal hops successfully balance. Light-to-medium bodied, dry toasty fi nish. Top 3 Marzen. 5.8% ABV. (95) Weihenstephaner Korbinian Doppelbock (Freising, Germany). Pours dark, murky brown with a fi rm tan head. Aroma of fresh, warm dark bread. Flavors are grainy wort, light raisin, honey and banana chips. A soft roast character with light smokiness appears as the beer warms. Light-to-medium bodied, with a dry mid-palate, then rounds out in the fi nish. A+ drinkability. An outstanding Doppelbock. 7.4% ABV, 32 IBU. (93) Brauerei Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Urbock (Bamberg, Germany). This smoked beer pours dark brown with a light brown head. The smoky aroma bursts forward. Defi nitely a beer for lovers of smoked meat. Finishes very light for a beer that is perceived as being heavy. 6.6% ABV. (93) Weihenstephaner Festbier (Freising, Germany). Fresh grain, lightly toasted bread. Light Noble hop bitterness adds balance. Light bodied. Carbonation is sharp and abrupt. Finish