Beverage Dynamics

Beverage Dynamics July-Aug 2012

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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RET AILER WINESELECTIONS The Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel recommends a lineup of top quality/value merlots. For this issue, we asked members of the Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel to recommend their favorite merlots. 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. FIVE STARS (98) Verite La Muse 2003 (California). Verite's Pomerol style merlot La Muse 2003 is finally opening beautifully enough to be enjoyed without decanting; a spicy nose combines blackberry, chocolate and cohiba; seductive and indulgent on the palate, subtle yet complex with a lingering finish; as the tannins have begun to soften, it should reach its peak between now and 2020. ($159) (96) Leonetti Merlot 2010 (Washington State). Gorgeous nose of black fruits with a lush, balanced and elegant mouth- feel; the finish is epic, lingering for minutes. ($80) (95) Frog's Leap Napa Valley Merlot 2009 (California). Dark Plum in color, deep dark cherry and cocoa flavors together produce a very rich and beautiful merlot. ($40) (94) Shafer Merlot Napa Valley 2009 (California). Father- and-son duo, John and Doug, create this merlot teeming with black fruit, earth and cigar box on the nose; a prime example of a quality Napa mer- lot; full bodied, lush and balanced. ($53) (94) Osso Anna Napa Valley Merlot 2009 (California). Once allowed to breathe for at least two hours this wine opens up and offers a true wine-drinking experi- ence; the fruit is married together perfectly and framed in a beautiful house of tannin and acidity. ($23) (94) Chateau De La Haute Libarde Cotes De Bourg 2009 (France). Made from 80% merlot and 20% cabernet sauvignon aged a year in oak barrels, it's a lovely example of this AOC; rich and earthy, with black fruit aromas and flavors that balance with firm tannins; from a great vintage, this can be cellared for five years or more for optimum enjoyment. ($18) (94) Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate Merlot 2008 (Washington State). Purple, plump and lush; opens with a nose of black current and bramble- berry; voluptuous but not flabby, 38 • Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • July/August 2012 with a fine acid center balanced with dark chocolate. ($20) (93) Northstar Merlot Columbia Valley 2008 (Washington State). Deep royal purple color and a plush velvety mouthfeel balanced with brightness and just enough tannin to complement a rotisserie leg-of-lamb; a well-made, balanced Columbia Valley AVA blend. ($35) (93) Chateau Bellevue Bordeaux Superieur 2009 (France). Made from 60% merlot, 30% cabernet sauvignon, and 10% malbec; nose of lilac and red fruit leads to zesty flavors of currant and blackberry, ending with a hint of spice; firm tannins. ($15) (93) Angeline Sonoma County Reserve Merlot 2010 (California). This is the companion label of Martin Ray; the fruit is sourced from hillside vineyards in Sonoma County that yield a bold, fruit-forward wine that's balanced with soft, supple tannins and is simply delicious; enjoy it tonight with a grilled steak. ($14)

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