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: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/237970
RETAILER WINESELECTIONS The Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel recommends a lineup of top quality/value zinfandels. For this issue, we asked members of the Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel to recommend some of their favorite zinfandels. 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@specialtyim.com. FIVE STARS ##### (95) Hartford Court Jolene's Vineyard Russian River Valley Zinfandel 2011 (California). A stunning zinfandel from 100+ year-old vines; shows near perfect balance between fruit, tannins and acids. ($60) ##### (95) Outpost Howell Mountain Zinfandel 2011 (California). Full-bodied with loads of ripe fruit; blackberry jam, wild berry and black cherry flavors fill the palate and lead way to a robust, spicy finish, with a hint of crack pepper. ($50) ##### (95) Brown Chaos Theory Napa Red Blend 2009 (California). Blockbuster blending of Cab/Zin (60/40% for this vintage); all estate-grown fruit from the Brown family, who started farming over 30 years ago in Napa; bold, balanced, great concentration of flavors; black peppercorns, wild blackberries, black cherries; richly textured; the finish is long and lingering. ($69) ##### (94) Cline Big Break Zinfandel 2011 (California). Big and bold; the higher alcohol and extremely concentrated flavors offer up layer after layer to explore. ($25) ##### (93) Rombauer Napa Valley Zinfandel 2011 (California). Blackberry and spice aroma; blackberry, spice and peppery flavors; firm tannins, high alcohol, long finish. ($31) ##### (93) Klinker Brink Old Ghost Old Vine Zinfandel 2011 (California). A deep garnet color with rich aromas of brambleberry, exotic spice, botanical garden notes and cedar shavings; yields were a bit lower in 2011, resulting in rich concentration of color and flavor; delicious, dark fruits fill the palate and finish with a long, silky texture. ($45) ##### (93) Peter Franus Napa Valley Zinfandel 2009 (California). Balanced structured and elegant zinfandel from the Brandlin Vineyard; cherry, blackberry, and toasty oak; small production wine. ($35) ##### (93) Sbragia Family Vineyards La Promessa Dry Creek Sonoma Zinfandel 2010 (California). A nose like cherry pie; red and purple fruit aromas are followed by slightly smoky scents that border on French vanilla coffee; a big, fat red that's soft, ripe and fleshy; silky tannins support spicy flavors of blueberry, black raspberry, black cherry and a finish that conveys subtle baking spice and vanilla nuances. ($35) ##### (93) Block 919 Dry Creek Zinfandel 2012 (California). Complex, offering ripe flavors of black cherry, raspberry, plum and wild berry that come together and finishes with a rich, long aftertaste. ($25) ##### (93) Seghesio Sonoma County Zinfandel 2011 (California). Made in the classic style with mid-palate acidity, dark cherry and raspberries and moderate alcohol; for the consumer that eschews the too-ripe style of zin. ($20) ##### (93) Cline Ancient Vines Contra Costa County Zinfandel 2011 (California). Intense aromas of lilac, rose petal, and spicy black fruit that lead to concentrated flavors of blackberry, currant, and wild plum along with notes of clove, allspice, and "cigar box"; the finish is long and Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • January/February 2014 • 41