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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(California). From the famous Stags Leap District vineyards, this elegant merlot has a nose of bright blueberries and vanilla with a touch of dark cherries and subtle smoky characteristics; although spicy in the front of the pallet, it has a soft and silky finish.($54) ##### (92) Markham Napa Valley Merlot 2010 (California). A merlot that in some ways shows as a cabernet; round, luscious fruit with a balanced tannic structure add to the beautiful mouthfeel; the mid-palate offers plum and currant with a pleasing slightly coffee finish; delicious. ($23) ##### (92) Artesa Elements Sonoma Merlot 2010 (California). Raspberry and cherry complemented by spice and vanilla; soft tannins round out a delicious merlot. ($16) ##### (92) Matanzas Creek Winery Bennett Valley Sonoma Merlot 2007 (California). This Bennett Valley merlot is made from 85% merlot plus about 15% cabernet sauvignon from Knights Valley; classic merlot aromas of red currant and fresh herbs - thyme, sage - plus a dusting of clove leading to bright and juicy flavors of black currant, blueberry, licorice and spice; loads of juicy acidity for a California merlot make this a nice, palate-cleansing match for richer meat dishes. ($24) ##### (92) Molnar Family Chardonnay 2010 (California). Wonderful aromas of pear, citrus and tangerine with a vanilla scent; soft on the palate with lively tones of apples and citrus, it finishes with a warm toasty finish; the Hungarian oak gives this wine a unique flavor. ($27) ##### (92) ZD California Chardonnay 2010 (California). Tropical aroma; tropical fruit; vanilla and butterscotch taste; long finish. ($39) ##### (92) Christian Moreau 2011 Chablis 2011 (France). A quintessential Chablis with a pale golden color that sparkles in the glass; notes of apple and stone fruit reverberate across the nose and palate; the bright acidity adds a nervous energy to the finish; with that same acidity promising a long life in the bottle. ($24) ##### (92) Sbragia Home Ranch Dry Creek Valley Chardonnay 2009 (California). Sbragia is known for its excellent Chardonnays, and this lovely wine shows Dry Creek Valley as an outstanding producer of a full-throttle chard that maintains freshness without overbearing lumber; pair it with salmon and enjoy. ($45) ##### (92) The Calling Russian River Valley Dutton Ranch Chardonnay 2010 (California). A subtle but complex in the nose, with lovely and bright fruit aromas and supple oak shadings; citrus, pear, apple and melon all appear; equally complex on the palate, lush and beautifully balanced, with a delicious array of fruit flavors deftly tinted by vanillin, oak and cream. ($30) ##### (92) En Truffiere Meursault 2009 (France). Classy Burgundy that maintains impeccable balance throughout; floral and citrus notes mingle in the bouquet and on the palate, and a firm mineral structure amplifies everything beautifully; fresh, and long on the finish. ($40) ##### (92) Woodward Canyon Chardonnay 2011 (Washington State). The wine is a brilliant yellow gold; the nose is an elegant combination of apple and pear, with hints of spice, vanilla, and toasted nuts; the palate is just as elegant, with a long luxurious finish. ($36) ##### (92) Sonoma Cutrer Les Pierres Chardonnay 2010 (California). Rich yet lively; hard to believe it's barrel fermented given its fresh character; lush tropical fruit with pineapple-lifesaver finish. ($45) ##### (92) Ferrari Carano Sonoma Chardonnay 2011 (California). There are aromas of butter, caramel and a very slight smokiness which add complexity to this incredibly smooth and satisfying chardonnay; the beautiful layers of fruit and texture are satisfying and controlled. ($21) ##### (92) Castello Banfi Fontanelle Chardonnay 2011 (Italy). A pale straw yellow in the glass, this Italian entry into the crowded Chardonnay field rises above much of the competition; ele- StateWays I www.stateways.com I November/December 2013 gant and complex notes of stone and tropical fruit on the nose and palate are supplemented by hints of spice and vanilla; good value. ($19) ##### (92) Gary Farrell Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2010 (California). Showcasing its pedigree, the wine is a bight yellowgold with good viscosity; the nose is full of tree fruit and stone fruit, with notes of high-toned spices; the palate has weight, with the same spice notes; the combination of solid mouthfeel and balancing acidity contribute to the wine's complexity and finish. ($30) ##### (92) Antica Chardonnay 2011 (California). Rich and fullbodied Napa Valley Chardonnay; through the bold flavors and full body, this beauty still maintains elegance and finesse; lemon peel, pear and creamy vanilla are displayed in this rich and creamy traditional Napa Valley Chardonnay. ($36) ##### (92) Mer Soleil Silver Chardonnay 2011 (California). From Caymus Vineyards; a delightful, unoaked Chardonnay in a distinctive crock bottle; ribght and refreshing, balanced acidity, hints of ripe apple; good by itself or with simple shellfish and chicken dishes. ($25) ##### (91) Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). A dry, rich Napa cab; dark fruits and balanced; will improve with age. ($53) ##### (91) Duckhorn Decoy Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (California). Rich and concentrated with dark berry flavors and a hint of savory black olive, earth and spice. Solid tannins; should reward cellaring. ($24) ##### (91) Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). An elegant, yet firm cabernet with layers of blackberry and black licorice; tannins are big, but open nicely with a little aeration. ($23) ##### (91) Justin Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). Balanced with fruit and spice; true Paso Robles style wine with intense dark fruit and soft finish. ($24) 33