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/303900
www.beveragedynamics.com May/June 2014 • Beverage Dynamics 47 +++++ 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. RATING SYSTEM WINE SELECTIONS R E TA I L E R FIVE STARS +++++ (97) Joseph Drouhin Nuits-Saint- Georges Damodes 1er Cru 2011 (France). From one of the most establish and respected houses in Burgundy, this Premier Cru Burgundy wine exudes class and elegance; brilliant ruby in the glass; complex nose, with hints of red fruit, berries, along with subtle spicy notes; on the palate, the elegance continues with tastes that echo the nose, along with a bright edge. ($111) +++++ (96) Joseph Jewell Russian River Sonoma Pinot Noir 2011 (California). Very el- egant wine from this young winery (established 2006); beautiful red hues, strong cherry notes, with a very light touch of oak; black tea and baking spice aromas dominate the nose; per- fect wine for the late spring and early summer months. ($60) +++++ (95) Miner Gary's Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir 2011 (California). A bouquet of wildfl owers and red raspberry lead The Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel recommends a lineup of top quality/value pinot noir. FOR THIS ISSUE, we asked members of the Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel to recommend some of their favorite pino noirs. 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. to a viscous texture on the palate with fl avors of red fruit, cherry, coffee, and spice; supple tan- nins with a nuance of toasty oak balance the whole. ($70) +++++ (95) Paul Hobbs Russian River Pinot Noir 2012 (California). Exceptional deep color; aromas of black raspberries and cassis; full-bodied, silky texture; cellar worthy for at least fi ve years. ($60) +++++ (95) Loveblock Central Otago Pinot Noir 2011 (New Zealand). A bright ruby red color; complex aromas include cherry, straw- berry, violets, mushrooms and herbs; on the palate, a rush of sweet/tart berry fl avors meld with lightly toasted oak, truffl es and a hint of earthiness. Firm tannins linger on the fi nish suggesting some cellar time would be most rewarding. ($35) +++++ (94) J Vineyards Russian River Pinot Noir 2012 (California). A beautiful pinot noir with layers of deep fruit balanced with a pop of acidity; rich and lingering fl avors surround your mouth and keep giving up secret fl avors long after the fi nish. ($36) +++++ (94) Bouchard Père & Fils Beaune du Château 1er Cru 2009 (France). A brilliant medium ruby in color; the nose is fi lled with a complex mix of red fruit, along with fl oral and spicy notes; in the mouth, the bright fruit leads the way, followed by a long and elegant fi n- ish. ($40) +++++ (94) La Follette Van der Kamp So- noma Mountain Pinot Noir 2011 (California). Brilliant ruby/garnet; a rich wine, with the nose dominated by elegant red fruits, as well as hints of spice with fl oral hints; the palate is rich and spicy, with great complexity and length. ($42) +++++ (93) En Route Les Pommiers Rus- sian River Pinot Noir 2010 (California). From Far Niente, beautiful and smooth; generous notes of cherry, strawberry and hints of vanilla; delightful and balanced. ($59)