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
(90) Lindemans Limestone Coast Reserve Merlot 2009 (Australia). An undervalued wine; good structure with deep and sweet dark cherry and blackberry flavors; easy tannins. ($9) (90) Perimeter Merlot 2010 (Washington State). Rich, with sumptuous flavors of ripe blackberry, dark cherry and sweet spice flavors; offers a full bodied mid-palate picking up notes of chocolate and ending with a vibrant long finish. ($13) (90) Kinneybrook Sonoma Merlot 2009 (California). Made by the Kunde Family, which has a long history of making varietally correct wines; nice balanced acidity to pair with fresh ripe red fruit of cherries and berries; hints of herb flavors; good tannis and nice structure. ($17) (90) Castle Rock Napa Valley Merlot 2008 (California). Another impressive release from Castle Rock, featuring layers of flavor and a harmonious finish. ($14). (90) Girly Girl Columbia Valley Merlot 2008 (Washington State). Despite its feminine packag- ing, the wine offers a full-bodied mer- lot with dark berries and chocolate. ($17) (89) Columbia Crest H3, Horse Heaven Hills Merlot 2009 (Washington State). A nose of black raspberry and licorice welcomes you to a taste of chocolate-covered cherry with a hint of plum-peel tart- ness; for a big, extracted wine, it retains a nice acidity; a bargain just in time for grilling out. ($15) (89) Ca'Momi Merlot 2009 (California).Wines from this pro- ducer have always been those that are great for the price and display straightforward fruit; plenty of purple and black fruit with some light spice on the finish; enjoyable and easy to drink. ($13) (89) Chateau Des Hauts De Fonteneau 2009 Bordeaux Superieur (France). Made from 80% merlot and 20% cabernet sauvignon; a classic Bordeaux bou- quet, with ripe black fruit aromas, oak, cedar and earth undertones; fruit is forward on the palate and almost gushy on the entry, but in reigns in nicely by the mid-palate; ripe red cherry, strawberry and rasp- berry, with some richer currant in the aftertaste. ($13) (89) Crosby Merlot 2010 (California). Not a well-known name, but excellent value/quality level; nice round, ripe cherry fruits with a hint of vanilla, ($9) (88) Yalumba "Y" Series Merlot 2009 (Australia). The Yalumba Y Series Merlot is an intense garnet red and displays aromas of sweet raspberries and currants; the palate is youthful and bright with juicy fruit, medium tannins and mid- length finish. ($13) (88) Maison Nicolas Reserve Bordeaux Merlot 2010 (France). Intense nose of red and black fruits; smooth and well balanced with a lingering fruit finish; good everyday value. ($12) (88) Nice Legs California Merlot 2009 (California). The bouquet is very mild but there are some nicely creamy cassis aromas; medium bodied and nicely round on the palate, with tasty red and black cherry flavors that gain intensity and depth across the palate; good bal- ance and length; well done. ($10) (88) Grayson Cellars Lot 6 Merlot 2010 (California). Silky smooth and in the fruit forward camp, juicy black cherry and raspberry beg for another sip; a top merlot in the $10 range. ($10) (88) Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot 2008 (Washington State). This Merlot has a rich and supple mouthfeel with fla- vors of blackberry and a mild hint of cherry; the structure is abundant yet allowing all the luscious fruit to be the showstopper. ($12) (88) Field Stone Alexander Valley Merlot 2007 (California). A deep, complex merlot with pronounced oak notes; sustainably grown in the Alexander Valley. ($16) (87) Mutt Lynch Merlot Over and Play Dead 2007 (California). Smoke and cherry aro- mas lead to black currant flavors; soft tannins in this medium-bodied merlot; pair with grilled lamb or a chocolate treat. ($11) (87) Red Diamond Merlot 2009 (Washington State). A good wine to share with a large gathering without spending too much; layers of fruit and a touch of oak to give it some complexity. ($8) (87) Santa Ema Merlot 2010 (Chile). Smooth, dry, medium- bodied , clean and flavorful; out- standing value. ($9) (86) Spellbound Merlot 2009 (California). Pleasant blueberry nose; medium weight with flavors of cherry, mild spice and wood; nice introduction to red wine and the merlot grape. ($16) (86) Crane Lake Merlot 2010 (California). Great beginner merlot; light and easy drinking; a good party pour. ($5) (86) Leese Fitch Merlot 2010 (California). Raspberry nose; raspberry and plum flavors; medium tannins and a medium finish; good buy for parties. ($11) Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • July/August 2012 • 41