Stateways

StateWays - November/December 2016

StateWays is the only magazine exclusively covering the control state system within the beverage alcohol industry, with annual updates from liquor control commissions and alcohol control boards and yearly fiscal reporting from control jurisdictions

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StateWays | www.stateways.com | November/December 2016 45 RETAILER WINE SELECTIONS Best Wines of 2016 For our latest round of National Re- tailer 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. ★★★★★ 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. RANKING SYSTEM (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 Corton 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 Assyrtiko 2015. Dry-white-wine drinkers need to taste Greek white wines as soon as possible, and Sigalas 2015 Assyrtiko 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 bet- ter 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 (Fin- ger 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 cit- rus notes, with a touch of minerality. 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 Chardonnay 2015 (South Africa). An absolutely amazing 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)

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