Cheers is dedicated to delivering hospitality professionals the information, insights and data necessary to drive their beverage business by covering trends and innovations in operations, merchandising, service and training.
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/30177
CHEERS WINE PANEL from 100 percent schiava grapes. An unusual, playful wine, it offers notes of unripe plum, brambly red fruit and driven minerality balanced by bright acidity and freshness. ($14) Summer Wines (97) Capture Sauvignon Blanc Tradition 2009 (California). Simply a stunning sauvignon blanc, which competes with the world’s finest; very full-bodied, with traditional flavors; there is some citrus and honeysuckle, but they are perfectly integrated into the wine; this wine shows what a great winemaker can do. ($30) (96) Bontani Vineyards Moscatel de Alejandria 2008 (Malaga, Spain). This wine is made in the dry style of moscatel, but still retains all the nice floral and sweet tropcial fruit aromas. It has brilliant acidity on the palate which contributes to the lush flavor and wonderful finish. It is a truly refreshing and invigorating wine. ($16.50) (96) Wohlmuth Muskateller Steinriegel 2005 (Austria). Imagine the floral bouquet of a viognier with the full, yet mineral mid-palate of a rich riesling along with the citrus finish of a Down Under sauvignon blanc; that’s what you get from this true “gelber muskat” from the steep, red slate slopes of Austria’s Styria. ($22) (95) Heller Estate Organic Chenin Blanc 2008 (California). Luscious mouth feel followed by perfectly balanced acidity marry the honeydew, guava and mineral notes and nectarine highlights. Cold and crisp on a hot day, this is the winemaker’s “beer alternative.” ($17) (95) Jakob Schneider Riesling Kabinett Nahe 2009 (Germany). Gorgeous, fresh aromas of peach, pear and nectarine lead to flavors of those fruits with a nuance of minerality. It’s lightly sweet with a crisp lively finish, perfect for warm weather refreshment. ($18) (95) La Cana Albariño 2009 (Spain). For the money, this Albariño is tough to beat. It is incredibly well balanced on the palate, with lemon zest, tropical fruit and kiwi fruit that are highlighted by its seamless acidity. It is aromatic, fresh and flavorful. ($12) (95) Meyer-Fonné Edelzwicker 2009 (France). If there is an ultimate spring or summer wine, this is it; gorgeous perfumed nose with a relatively dry finish; from Alsace, and made of 60 percent pinot blanc, 15 percent muscat, 15 percent chasselas and 10 percent riesling. ($16) (95) Patrick Piuze 1er Cru Chablis “Les Forêts” 2009 (France). This vintage of Les Forêts has a deep golden color, suggesting this Chablis will have some body. It www.cheersonline.com (93) Martín Codax Albariño 2009 (Spain). The bright green-straw color and slightly spritzy tingle make this a great wine for the picnic basket; hay and citrus on the nose and tea-rose on the finish show great winemaking from Rias Baixas. ($15) MAY 2011 | 49 (94) B Cellars Napa Valley Blend 23 2009 (California). This is a blend of chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and viognier. It has bright intense citrus notes followed by tropical flavors and grapefruit. It is a very complex wine with a lingering finish with minerals and acidity. ($35) opens with a wonderful bouquet of fresh lemons, marzipan and apples. The wine is so incredibly complex; you’ll spend the rest of the evening savoring it. It has notes of green apples, pears, a foxy citrus acidity, a decadent umami character and the finish just goes forever. ($46) (95) Vincent Girardin Mâcon-Fuissé Vieilles Vignes 2008 (France). A marvelous example of Bourgogne Blanc: chardonnay in a classic, traditional “Old World” style. Aromas and flavors of under-ripe apple, citrus zest and subtle hints of chalk and flint all balance perfectly with a bold, lengthy finish. ($22) (93) Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir 2008 (Oregon). An outstanding vintage in Oregon has led to an outstanding wine from Domaine Drouhin. It has lovely cherry and berry components and a great spice element. Beautiful now and shows great potential for the cellar. ($45) (93) Duboeuf Fleurie “Domaine de Quatre Vents” 2009 (France). Deep garnet color; the gamay fruitiness of a well-structured Cru Beaujolais like this helps remind us