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
with an easy crisp finish; a great value that works well with food, from appe- tizers to seafood. ($13) (90) J Brut Rose (California). This is a lovely rose bubbly that also comes in a beautiful package; a great holiday gift for flavor and packaging. ($33) (90) Brutocao Mendocino Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (California). A mild bouquet, but with subtle complexity; medium-full on the entry, it is initially mild but soon expands, showing off well- balanced fruit from front to back, and the mix between black cherry, currant and red berries is very tasty. ($20) (90) Babarosa Prosecco NV (Italy). Lovely floral aromas open the bouquet and a whiff of bis- cuit lingers in the background; the palate displays tasty flavors of ripe apple and pear, and the finish comes across smooth and creamy; pinpoint acidity keeps things very nicely bal- anced. ($15) (90) Mt. Rozier Stellenbosch, The Beekeeper Merlot 2010 (South Africa). A bit jammy in the nose, with a mint-like note tinting mild black raspberry and plum aromas; soft and round, it has a very nice mouth-feel that is almost plush but still well balanced, and displays a generous mix of black fruit flavors draped by smooth tan- nins. ($15) (90) Olema Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). Aroma notes of blackber- ry and dark cherry layered with hints of cedar, followed by flavors of berries and fresh brewed espresso; light spice and cocoa notes; good tannins and structure to this full-bodied wine. ($22) (90) Taz Santa Barbara Pinot Noir 2012 (California). The aromas are bright and vivid with notes of ripe strawberry, red cherry, black tea and spicy cinnamon notes; the nose flows through to the palate with notes of red cherry, vanilla and clove; a crowd-pleaser. ($20) (90) Barcino Brut Cava NV (Spain). Made in the traditional Champagne method, this Spanish sparkler is definitely a cut above oth- ers in the category; pale gold color, with tiny bubbles, and a light, nutty fragrance lead to an elegantly struc- ture and balanced mouth-feel full of tasty citrus and pit fruit and a linger- ing citrus finish; made from 55% xarello, 25% macabeo and 20% parel- lada. ($20) (90) Perucchi White Vermouth (Spain). Something a little different for a holiday aperitif; elegant blend of herbs and botanicals, with touches of allspice, cinnamon, mint and orange blossoms; try with your classic cocktail recipes, or as a won- derful addition to sauces in your kitchen. ($26) (89) Flirt Red 2010 (California). Blueberry, currant, pome- granate and licorice fill your senses; rich juicy plum, Tootsie Roll and vanil- la complete the jammy finish; full and complex yet fruity and rich enough impress a range of palates. ($10) (89) Buena Mano La Pistol Red Blend Rattlesnake Ridge Yakima Valley NV (Washington State).Washington's wine answer to garage-style blends; intriguing blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and cabernet franc; organic grapes, sus- tainably grown. ($18) (89) Domaine du Salvard Cheverny 2011 (France). Produced from 84% sauvignon blanc (for brightness) and 16% chardonnay (for richness) from vines averaging 20 years of age, although some are as old as 65 years; a bril- liant pale gold flecked with green; the nose is filled with notes of ripe citrus, flowers, and litchis; aromas that are carried over onto the palate and long finish. ($14) (89) Wine Crios by Susana Balbo Syrah/Bonarda 2009 (Argentina). A silky, rich and smooth blend of yyrah and bonarda; layers of overripe blueberry and blackberry with a slight hint of tobacco; great with your holiday prime rib. ($14) (89) Hannah Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2011 34 • Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • November/December 2012 (California). Citrus aroma; citrus and peach flavors; pleasant, medium-long finish. ($18) (89) Rio Perdido Mendoza Malbec 2011 (Argentina). The bouquet is quite interesting and has a whiff of barn- yard funk that quickly blows off to reveal ripe bramble bush fruits, earthy garrigue and light oak; medi- um full, it displays zesty spice notes on the entry and then juicy and ripe red and black cherry and currant fla- vors roll in, nicely framed by smooth tannins. ($12) (89) Trimbach Pinot Blanc 2009 (France). Nothing is as great as at Thanksgiving meals as an Alsatian white wine; this pinot blanc is bone dry with plenty of fruit and great acidity; serve as an aperitif or with the main event on Turkey Day. ($18) (89) Offerente Monastrell 2008 (Spain). Deep red in color; aromas of blackberries, spice and flowers; an intense wine with fine tannins and a lingering, smooth fin- ish; pair with standing rib roast or any other red meat on the holiday table. ($12) (88) Marchesa Gavi 2011 (Italy). From the region where Cortese finds its true home, this low sulfite white is slightly zesty, with lovely mineral notes in the nose mingling with green tree fruit aro- mas; medium bodied and well bal- anced with a nice mix of light fruit flavors and a pleasant mineral note remaining throughout. ($15) (87) Cline Cashmere 2010 (California). Red fruit aromas in this red blend; plum, blackberry, cherry; tannic with long finish; a good value. ($15) (87) Rose 'N' Blum Pinot Grigio 2011 (California). The bouquet is fresh and fruity, with aromas of peach and fresh apricot; medium bodied and nicely round, it displays good structure and a touch of apple adding to the peach and apricot flavors on the palate. ($12)