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/92548
RET AILER WINESELECTIONS The Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel recommends a lineup of their favorite holiday wines. For this issue, we asked members of the Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel to recommend some of their favorite wines for holiday drinking. As always, these selections include brief tasting notes, a rating and the wine's retail price (which varies from store to store and market to market). If you're a retail beverage professional who would like to learn about participating in our panel, call Richard Brandes at 212-353-3832, or email him at rbrandes@m2media360.com. FIVE STARS (95) Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Cuvée 225 2003 (France). This barrel fermented blend of half chardonnay and half pinot noir exhibits yellow gold color in the glass; the oak fermentation provides a complex nose of spiced stone fruits, with a gentle hint of vanilla; plenty of body on the palate, and its finish is long, harmonious and balanced. ($109) (95) Pierre Peters Cuvee Reserve Blanc de Blancs (France). Elegant celebration wine; creamy with nice small bubbles that seem to never end; clean and not yeasty; ripe apple and pear aromas. ($54) (95) Girard Artistry 2009 (California). A richly textured and elegantly balanced blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, petite ver- dot, merlot and malbec from the Napa Valley. ($46) (95) Hall Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (California). This cabernet is a blend of lots from five estate vineyards in Napa; it delivers a jammy blackberry aroma with a vel- vety enduring finish. ($45) (95) Dr. Deinhard Ruppertsberger Riesling Kabinett Halbtrocken 2011 (Germany). From one of the most respected producers of Deidesheim, Pfalz.; a marvelous example of lush, rich riesling made in a half-dry style; complements the cornucopia of cuisines presented during the holidays or will be the perfect party wine. ($23) (94) Kazmer and Blaise Boon Fly's Carneros Chardonnay 2009 (California). This is what results when you own the land, pro- duce your own barrels, and make the wine; rich, opulent, with great balance on fruit and oak; thick, almost viscous; more masculine in style than your usual California chardonnay, ($75) (94) Darting Durkheimer Fronhof Riesling Kabinett Trocken 2011 (Germany). This is bold, fra- grant, flavorful riesling fermented totally dry; a nice hint of the Pfalz's limestone lingers on the finish; it will complement all those goodies on your Thanksgiving table or those oysters and caviar on New Year's Eve. ($18) (94) The Federalist Dueling Pistols 2009 (California). A red blend of 50% Syrah and 50% Zinfandel sourced from Dry Creek; 30 • Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • November/December 2012 cherry aromas ,dark fruit flavors and a hint of spice. ($40) (94) Aloft Howell Mountain, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (California). From Peter Mondavi of Charles Krug comes this special occasion wine for your holiday table; rich nose of dark cherry and tea; palate of silky, textured tannins with great balance of red fruit and savory flavors; an excellent inaugural release; benefits from decanting. ($175) (94) Champagne Henriot Brut Souverain (France).With a predominance of chardonnay in the blend, this is an elegant example of high-end Champagne, at an extremely attractive price point; with stone fruits and a subtle bready note, the nose and following taste is rich and complex. ($45) (94) Ravenswood Pickberry Sonoma Mountain Red Wine 2008 (California). A Bordeaux blend-styled wine that outshines its inspiration, the Pickberry Red is dominated by merlot, followed by cabernet, with just a smidgen of petit verdot and malbec; the nose is an explosion of black fruit, spice and vanilla, and the palate follows in the