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/73671
(93) Cousino Macul Don Matias Merlot 2010 (Chile). Slightly oaked, this merlot shows excellent complexity and concentration; lush cassis and rich currant flavors fill the palate with dense fruit flavors and a touch of spiciness that lingers on the expressive finish; pairs well with grilled meats and chops. ($16) (93) Decoy Napa Valley Merlot 2009 (California). Big, bold, aromatic and mouth-filling with layers of subtle ripe blackberry, red cherry and plum. ($27) (93) Trefethen Oak Knoll District Napa Merlot 2007 (California). The nose on this is amazing: full of violets and red cherry with hints of strawberry and vanilla; at five years old it is still developing; overall it needs time, but all the quality elements are there waiting to meld together; worthy of a glass now, but with each year of cellaring it will improve. ($29) (93) Yvon Mau Merlot Vins De Pays De L'aude 2010 (France). Vintage after vintage, this 100% varietal wine shows bright, ripe flavors of berry and cherry with hints of tobacco and "terroir" that say "Languedoc"; eminently drinkable and a great value. ($10) RATING SYSTEM FIVE STARS (92-100) A top- flight wine. Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding 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. TWO STARS (70-79) An average wine. ONE STAR (50-69) A below-average wine. (92) Darioush Signature Merlot 2009 (California). Classic black fruit aromas and flavors; big, rich and complex with a long finish that just doesn't quit. ($56) (92) Hall Merlot 2006 (California). Succulent and spicy with just the right balance of fruit and acidity; a superb Napa merlot for the price. ($26) (92) Ballentine Napa Valley Pocai Vineyard Merlot 2009 (California). The bouquet is light but smooth, with a creamy sense to its lovely, ripe black cherry and plum aromas; excellent balance and struc- ture on the palate, with smooth and supple black fruit flavors, silky tannin and a long finish. ($25) (92) Monticello Estate Merlot 2008 (California). Always considered the "Cab Drinkers Merlot," this wine showcases and artisan approach while still remaining accessi- ble to the everyday consumer; rich with a spicy backbone; smooth finish. ($25) (92) Markham Napa Merlot 2008 (California). Markham consistently produces polished reds of high quality; this Napa merlot has deep raspberry and milk chocolate aromas that slide into blackberry, rose, mint, and soft oak notes on the palate; the length is luxurious and the balance is impeccable. ($19) (92) Martin Ray Diamond Mountain Merlot 2009 (California). A merlot for the cab drinker; beautiful dark fruit, with blackberry, black cherry, currant; layered in are notes of cocoa and spice; firms tannins, elegant silken texture in the mouth. ($15) FOUR STARS (91) Chateau Barbe Blanche Lussac St Emilion 2009 (France). From the village of Lussac in the com- mune of Saint –Emilion, this blend of merlot with just a touch of cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon offers black cherry and blueberry aromas, good concentration with layers of blackberry, currant with oak nuances sustained by well-rounded tannins that lead to a smooth, balanced finish. ($25) (91) Goldschmidt Chelsea Merlot 2009 (California). Superstar winemaker Nick Goldschmidt does it again with this amazing effort; drink- ing like a much more expensive wine, the Chelsea Merlot has layers of flavor and complexity that are sure to impress. ($16) (90) Twomey Napa Valley Merlot 2007 (California). Blackberry and plum on the nose, with blackberry and plum following through on the taste; medium tannins with a fairly long finish. ($39) (91) Seven Hills Columbia Valley Merlot 2009 (Washington State). Seven Hills is able to fold in plenty of red and black fruit and vanilla into a silky and luscious wine. ($21) (91) Chateau Lescalle Bordeaux Superieur 2009 (France). Hailing from the Macau, Ch. Lescalle shows plenty of fruit, but never lets you forget where it comes from. ($17) (91) Happy Canyon Vineyard Santa Ynez Merlot 2010 (California). Earthy and fruity on the nose; palate offers great balance with vibrant fruit and soft tannins; great varietal expression from the eastern Santa Ynez Valley; the newest AVA in Santa Barbara County is one to watch. ($18) (91) Compass Merlot 2007 (California). This complex merlot from Sonoma is packed with aromas of your father's cherry Cavendish pipe tobacco and leather; full bodied, dusty mouthfeel; big juicy wine with earthy leather in the finish. ($13) Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • July/August 2012 • 39