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
same manner, topped off by a long and balanced finish. ($50) (93) Ferrari Brut Rosé (Italy). Using pinot noir and chardon- nay grapes, this classically produced sparkling wine outperforms, at its price; a lovely salmon edge to the pick color, and the nose is full of strawberry and cherry notes; bright and elegant on the palate, the finish is long and bal- anced. ($37) (93) Santadi Terre Brune Carignano del Sulsis Superiore 2006 (Italy). A big, pow- erful Carignano with great complexity, drinkable now and should age nicely. ($65) ish ably demonstrate its pedigreed origins and skilled winemaking. ($40) (93) Trentadue La Storia Alexander Valley Merlot 2010 (California). A serious merlot with lots of complexity; concentrated flavors of black cherry, blueberry, cassis and dark chocolate; the finish lingers on and on and while the tannins are a bit soft, there are enough for this to age for five or more years. ($35) (93) La Chapiniere RATING SYSTEM 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. TWO STARS (70-79) An average wine. ONE STAR (50-69) A below-average wine. (92) Black Stallion Napa Chardonnay 2010 (California). A rich Napa chardonnay with layers of fruit highlighting green apple, pineapple, melon and peach flavors; the mid-palate is creamy offering a hint of vanilla and finishing with a nice balance and crisp acidity. ($21) (93) Clos du Bois Sonoma Reserve Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2010 (California). A brilliant silvery-straw in hue, this Chardonnay has pro- nounced aromas of spiced apple, pear, jasmine and tangerine, with notes of minerality, oak spice and nutmeg, leading into bright ripe pear, apple, cit- rus and crème brûlée fla- vors; rich and creamy, the acidity is balanced and the oak well integrated; a per- fect match for shellfish, mushrooms sautéed in but- ter and any other cuisine that's rich in texture and flavor. ($16) Sauvignon Blanc 2010 (France). This elegant wine expresses the deli- cate melon and citrus aromas and fla- vors of sauvignon blanc grown in Touraine with a subtle hint of miner- ality not found elsewhere; a wonderful holiday aperitif or will pair beautifully with milder fish dishes. ($17) (93) Woodward Canyon Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon (California). Aromas of earth, cedar and cassis, this wine has luscious black fruit, rich firm tannins and a complex lingering finish. ($45) (93) La Follette Sonoma Coast Sangiacomo Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009 (California). A single vineyard pinot noir, from one of the top locations in northern California, this wine exhibits elegance, with great energy; a bright ruby in the glass; the nose is dominated by red cherry fruit, and hints of exotic spices; on the palate, the finesse of the fruit and the long, balanced fin- (92) Tikal Patriota 2010 (Argentina). This blend of 60% malbec and 40% bonarda will absolutely melt in your mouth; bold yet controlled fruit and layered with balanced tan- nins and acidity; superb finish. ($21) (92) Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (California). This gem is a blend of 75.1% cabernet sauvignon, 13.1% merlot, 7.1% petit verdot, 2.9% malbec and 1.8% cabernet franc; opaque with a dark ruby-garnet color, which complements the rich dark aroma and flavor; black cur- rant, black cherry, berry and Santa Rosa plum are intertwined with the spicy sweetness of oak, cedar, cinna- mon, clove and toast; the entry is soft, with dark cherry/berry flavors that develop from start to finish; with great texture and mouth-feel, this cabernet is full bodied, rich and opulent. ($40) (92) Stags Leap Wine Cellars Napa Valley Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (California). Red fruit on the nose; solid core of cassis and cherry; sub- stantial tannins; long finish. ($55) Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • November/December 2012 • 31