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/751263
www.beveragedynamics.com November/December 2016 • Beverage Dynamics 47 (98) Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon Las Piedras 2012 (Napa). Absolutely stunning Cabernet: rich, elegant, velvety and complex with perfectly integrated soft tannins. Should age nicely - but why wait! ($278) (98) Maison Ambroise Cor ton Charlemage Grand Cru 2007 (Primeaux-Prissey, France). A spectacular vintage and wine. The mineral, chalky soil gives this wine an intense structure all the while feeling soft and supple. It is like heaven in a bottle! ($185-250.00) (97) Castello Banfi Florus Muscadello 2012 (Montalcino, Tuscany). Golden yellow in color, with great viscosity. The nose is highlighted by its dried fruit aspects, with a touch of spice. Good weight and a smooth texture on the pal- ate are just part of its long, balanced, exquisite fi nish. ($30.99 per 500-ml.) (97) Domaine Sigalas Santorini Assyr tiko 2015. Dry-white-wine drinkers need to taste Greek white wines as soon as possible, and Sigalas 2015 Assyr tiko is the leader in an up-and-coming category. Widely considered among sommeliers as one of the best white wines in the world, the 2015 offering is no dif- ferent. This layered, graceful wine is balanced with a mound of acidity. Booming with citrus fl avors and very concentrated, it gets even better after some time in a decanter. The star from the Mediterranean, you will be over the moon after tasting this wine. ($27.99) (96) Domaine Tournon Shiraz Lady's Lane Vineyard 2012 (Heathcote, Australia). In- tensely aromatic, followed by rich, elegant and complex black fruit fl avors. ($60) (96) Dr. Konstantin Frank Rkatsiteli 2015 (Finger Lakes, New York). The variety is tough to pronounce. Just call it "R Cats," and tell your customers about it. A very pale straw gold in the glass, the nose is dominated by lovely citrus notes, with a touch of mineral- ity. The taste is bright and clean, fresh, and refreshing. For your customers looking for a change of pace from Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, this is it. An outstanding value. ($14.99) (96) Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardon- nay 2015 (South Africa). An absolutely amaz- ing Chardonnay with all the bells and whistles. There is a rich and silky buttery quality with a gentle oak notes and beautifully balanced acidity. The Chardonnay is Napa and Burgundy wrapped up into South Africa. ($33) (96) Ravenswood Teldeschi Vineyard Zin- fandel 2013 (Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma CA). Nearly opaque ruby/purple in the glass. The nose is fi lled with black brambly fruit, hints of spice, and a touch of cocoa. Rich, and mouth-fi lling, this is a defi nite keeper. ($37) (96) Bouchard Père & Fils Beaune Clos de la Mousse 2011 (Burgundy, France). From a top Burgundy house, this exceptional, high-quality wine exhibits fi nesse and breeding. Delicious now, it could cer tainly improve with a little more bottle time to bring out more of its ele- gant characteristics. One of those "don't pass this up" type of wines. ($65) (96) Valenciso Rioja Reserva 2009. An elegant and complex wine, aged 16 months in French oak, with aromas of violets and a lush cherry and berry palate. This wine will age for at least 10 years, but why wait! ($42.95) (95) Altamura Napa Valley Cabernet Sau- The Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel reviews the best wines of 2016 FOR OUR LATEST ROUND of National Retailer Wine Panel reviews, we asked panelists to recall their favorite pours of 2016. 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. WINE SELECTIONS R E TA I L E R RATING SYSTEM ★★★★★ Five Stars (92-100) A top-flight wine. Superior in taste and character and provid- ing 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.