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/379477
www.beveragedynamics.com September/October 2014 • Beverage Dynamics 47 CARBERNET SAUVIGNON • WINE SELECTIONS a real keeper, as well as a wine that's showing superbly well now. ($104) +++++ (95) Chateau Franc Coutelin Saint-E- stephe Bordeaux 2009 (France). Blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot; the Cabernet is most evident with aromas and fl avors of black cherry, currant and black- berry; a note of toasted oak on the fi nish along with fi rm tannins.($30) (Victoire Imports, Sonoma, CA) +++++ (95) Root:1 Colchagua Valley Cab- ernet Sauvignon 2012 (Chile). From ungrafted vines of original European rootstock that have never been blighted by phylloxera; bold, rich va- rietal aromas and fl avors in a ripe, mouth-fi lling, and easy-to-enjoy style; richness, quality and value. ($13) (Winebow, NY, NY) +++++ (95) True Grit Reserve Mendocino Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). This is Parducci's reserve level Cabernet Sauvignon; 18 months in French and American oak add a vanilla softness to the mix; small amounts of Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot and Syrah add richness; beautiful cherry and cassis aromas fi nish out the wine. ($39) (Parducci) +++++ (95) Flanagan Family Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). Ripe and concentrated fruit; cassis and vanilla on the nose; unusually soft tannins for such a powerful Cabernet. ($85) +++++ (94) Rodney Strong Alexander's Crown Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). Juicy cab with smooth tan- nins and deep layers of oak, black fruit and mocha; high alcohol makes a bit hot; decant to enjoy the complexity or cellar. ($60) +++++ (94) Rutherford Ranch Napa Cab- ernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). An intriguing blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec; aged 14 months in oak; rich and chewy, with dark chocolate, vanilla and black fruit fl avors; very subtle fi nish; an elegant wine at a great price point. ($30) +++++ (94) Frisson Vineyards Napa Cab- ernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). A classic Napa Valley Cabernet; very balanced, with dark rich fruit, and a nutty hint of dark chocolate; re- strained tannins, and a moderate alcohol level make for an elegant wine. ($75) +++++ (94) Smith & Hook Cabernet Sau- vignon 2012 (California). This wine pairs a vibrant purple color with expressive aromas of blackberries and cassis; richly textured on the palate, this wine's robust tannins provide a frame for black cherry fl avors and spicy notes of vanilla and cloves; air this with your favorite burger off the grill. ($23) +++++ (94) Hess Allomi Napa Valley Cab- ernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). This single vineyard Cabernet from one of the Valley's best known wineries is full of rich black and red fruit; dark ruby in the glass, with plenty of richness on the nose and palate; hints of spice and tannin provide a backbone for the fruit to surround; the fi nish is well balanced, and quite lengthy. ($30) BD +++++ (92) Alexander Valley Vine- yards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). Small amounts of Merlot, Cab- ernet Franc, Malbec and Petite Verdot are added for complexity; aged in French and American oak for 14 months; rich aromas of plum, cassis and mocha complement rich spice, tobacco and coffee fl avors; great value. ($22) ++++ (88) Seaglass Paso Robles Cab- ernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). The fruity bouquet is full of black currant aromas with a light tint of oak on the edges; tart black cherry and blueberry open the palate, which is smooth but shows a nice beam of acidity to bolster the structure; good depth. ($13) ++++ (89) Folie a Deux Sonoma County Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (California). The mild bouquet pos- sesses cedary under tones to its ripe red berry aromas; dry and still pretty tannic up front but my mid-palate it smoothes out, with red cherry and raspberry fl avors; good structure and intensity; a natural partner for grilled steak. ($25)