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/82861
(California). Strawberries and plums on the nose with flavors of cherry and plums with hints of raspberry; slight tannins and well balanced on the fin- ish. ($25) (90) Leyda Classic Pinot Noir 2010 (Chile). Raspberry and cherry show up nicely on the nose with a mixed berry combo on the palate. Long finish that is complex and spicy. ($12) (90) Estancia Pinot Noir 2010 (California). Pinnacles Ranches on the cool Monterey coast produces this Pinot Noir with rich berry flavors and a soft finish. ($18) (90) The Crossings Pinot Noir 2009 (New Zealand). Aromas of plums and violets with ripe berry fruit flavors and an elegant finish. ($15) (90) Bliss Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2009 (California). Has a mild bouquet of cola nut and tea leaf, and then some nicely developed fruit aromas; well balanced and even-keeled, it shows off its aging in 35% new oak nicely, but the fruit remains at the fore; excellent finish. ($16) (90) Primarius Pinot Noir 2010 (Oregon). Aromas of cherry followed by flavors of vanilla and spice; well balanced and elegant fin- ish; great value. ($18) (90) Rock Point Pinot Noir 2010 (Oregon). Burgundian in style, this "sleeper" has an appealing alcohol level with friendly oak and spice bal- ance; pretty gutsy for the money; decanting makes it even better. ($17) (90) OFV Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Oregon). A great expression of a classic Willamette Valley Pinot Noir; this medium-bod- ied offering is full of cherry, vanilla and a hint of spice. ($18) (90) Le Renard Bourgogne Rouge Pinot Noir 2009 (France). This vibrant Pinot Noir exhibits bright raspberry and strawberry aro- mas followed by lively layers of fruit balanced with soft tannins as well as a vibrant finish. ($25) (90) Framingham Marlborough Pinot Noir 2011 (New Zealand). Vibrant and fruit- driven, this elegant Pinot Noir fea- tures supple tannins and savory com- plexity; characteristic flavors of dark cherry and ripe plum with earthy nuances are accompanied by toasty oak notes, which lead to a long, juicy finish. ($25) (90) Cottesbrook Marlborough Pinot Noir 2010 (New Zealand). Intense aromas of raspberry and black cherry linger on the nose and are enhanced by com- plex earthy notes; soft tannins give way to ripe red fruit flavors followed by savory oak components; a balanced and structured wine with a smooth, lingering finish. ($18) (90) Jenner Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2010 (California). A bal- anced Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir full of ripe cherry, plum and earth notes leading into bright acidity and smooth tannins. ($25) (90) Sarapo Natalia Pinot Noir 2009 (California). Lovely cock- tail wine; full of vibrant, fresh fruit, and easy, silky tannins. ($20) (89) Knightsdale Mendicino County Pinot Noir 2010 (California). Dark, ripe cher- ries on the nose lead to full flavors of blackberries and chocolate; soft balanced finish; good food wine. ($15) (89) Angeline Vineyards Russian River Pinot Noir 2010 (California). Intense red, dark brick color with intense aromas of black cherry highlighted by earthy clay and sweet spice; fresh, ripe flavors of cran- berry and dried red cherries with a soft berry mouth and a light finish. ($15) (89) Seaglass Pinot Noir 2010 (California). Aromas of rasp- berries and carmelized blueberries; earthy; dry, medium bodied, well balanced with a peppery finish. ($11) (89) New Harbor Marlborough 2008 (New Zealand). Bright red cherry and raspberry bou- Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • September/October 2012 • 47 quet; light vanilla notes and violets; soft and round tannins; medium acidi- ty with candied orange rind and an almost salty finish; pleasantly mineral. ($10) (88) Cupcake Vineyards Pinot Noir 2010 (California). This budget pinot has the aroma of cher- ries that carries through the palate with a touch of red currants and a hint of spice; excellent value. ($8) (88) Pleasures California Pinot Noir 2010 (California). Forward and juicy, this even shows a little sweetness in the nose, with ripe red cherry and raspberry aromas fol- lowed by a touch of spice, but no oak whatsoever; firm tannin on the palate provides some initial tartness which then slowly subsides to allow more ripe cherry to move forward; medium bodied and evenly balanced—perhaps not as complex as some pinot noirs, but at this price there should be no complaints. ($11)