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Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/725097
www.cheersonline.com 34 • September 2016 ALL-AMERICAN VINO OUR RETAILER PANEL REVIEWS A VARIETY OF WINES FROM ACROSS THE U.S. As always, these selections include brief tasting notes, a rating and the wine's retail price (which can vary from store to store and market to market). Unless noted otherwise, the price refl ects a 750-ml. bottle. If you're a beverage professional with a specialty in wine and you're interested in participating in the panel, please contact associate editor Kyle Swartz at kswartz@epgmediallc.com or 203-855-8499 x2225. spice with fi rm tannins on the fi nish. The unique terroir of Stag's Leap lingers over all, giving the wine depth and complexity. Approachable now, it will reward you if cellared for three to fi ve more years. ($100) (95) Miner Family Winery The Oracle 2010 (California). Lush aromas and fl avors of lilac, violet, blackberry and cassis abound with nuances of charred oak and allspice. The mouthfeel is rich; the fi nish is long with (99) Dolce Late Harvest Dessert Wine 2008 (California). A Sauternes-style dessert wine, silky smooth, with the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Dolce Late Harvest Dessert Wine is one of the best wine experiences you will ever have. ($54.99) (96) McPherson Cellars Sangiovese 2014 (Texas). Primarily sourced from 25-year- old vines fi rst planted in Texas by "Doc" McPherson. First released by his son Kim in 1998. Aged 14 months in oak, it offers beautiful fruit with spice and vanilla oak. Perfect with Texas barbeque. ($24.99) (95) The Weekender Experience Meritage 2011 (California). There are lovely fl oral and ripe black fruit nuances in the bouquet, followed by subtle earth tones. The palate exudes fl avors of plum, blueberry and toasty oak, with a slight licorice spice note on the end. The terroir shows beautifully on the fi nish with supple tannins balancing the wine perfectly. Gorgeous now, this wine can be cellared for several years. ($59.99) (95) Chimney Rock Elevage 2012 (California). There are aromas of raspberry, cherry and rose petal up front, followed by hints of the gravelly soils of the AVA. The rich sweet/tart berry fl avors of the merlot coat the palate, followed by the "la garrigue" of the petit verdot. The cabernet sauvignon adds nuances of blackberry and RATING SYSTEM Five stars (92-100 points) A top-fl ight wine. Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price/value relationship. Four stars (86-91 points) A superb wine and an excellent value. A wine for which customers will keep coming back. Three stars (80-85 points) An above-average wine at a reasonable price point, one that many consumers will enjoy.