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/421848
THE BEST OF 2014 • FIVE STAR WINES www.beveragedynamics.com November/December 2014 • Beverage Dynamics 49 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) Ironside Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). A big, elegant classy wine with lots of fruit, friendly tannins and structure; great value. ($18) (94) Hess Allomi Napa Valley Cabernet 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) (94) Michael Mondavi Emblem Oso Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (California). This exceptional single vineyard Cabernet is produced from grapes grown high above the valley fl oor, which contributes a freshness and structure that complements the abundant fruit; plenty of black and red fruit is accented by spice and toasty notes; a wonderful long and balanced fi nish. ($60) (94) Viña Los Vascos Le Dix de Los Vascos 2011 (Chile). The Le Dix is produced from very old vine Cabernet, from the estate's original vineyard; the vineyard contributes a dark, lush fruitiness, and the 18 months in oak add an appealing spiciness and texture; hints of chocolate add to the wine's complexity; it fi nishes with a luxurious mouthfeel, and balance. ($60) (94) J.Lohr Riverstone Arroyo Seco Chardonnay 2013 (California). A top chardonnay for the money; very balanced with great fruit and just enough oak; creamy texture, with good acidity. ($18) (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 nish. ($40) (94) La Follette Van der Kamp Sonoma 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) (94) Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Napa Valley Carneros Chardonnay 2009 (California). Serious, classically styled chardonnay; rich apple, pear, and pineapple fruit with barely any RS; lees-focused creaminess, smooth tannins and acidity in perfect balance. ($55) (94) Girard Russian River Chardonnay 2011 (California). Delicious chardonnay from Russian River; fresh fruit on the nose with a beautiful vanilla undertone; light to medium in body; will pair well with all light to grilled foods. ($25) (94) Domaine Renaud Macon Village Burgundy 2012 (France). Classic Old-world style chardonnay; very clean and crisp with rich minerality; lighter in style and very user- and food-friendly; perfect fi rst white burgundy for the consumer. ($28) (94) Montes Alpha Casablanca Valley Chardonnay 2012 (Chile). A bright gold, with the faintest hints of green, in the glass; tropical fruit notes dominate the nose, with a trace of oak; the mouthfeel is luxurious, with fl avors that echo the nose; the fi nish is long, and lingering. ($23) Hyatt Regency Bethesda, MD Josh Haugh Food & Beverage Director K&L Wine Merchants Redwood City, CA Bryan Brick Sales Consultant Liquor Barn Louisville, KY Michael Sorg Wine Manager Maggie Wine Consulting Poughkeepsie, NY Maggie Gephard President Mainstreet Wines & Spirits Countryside, IL Nancy J. Sabatini Dir. Of Wine Education & Sales Malloy's Finest Wine & Spirits Naperville, IL Bruce Jaroski Wine Director Mills Fine Wine & Spirits Annapolis, MD Peter Finkelstein Wine Consultant North Ridge Wine Ellicott City, MD Brad Boarman Owner Prime Wines & Spirits Kenmore, NY Rick McLeod Wine Manager Premium Wine & Spirits Williamsville, NY Dave Cleveland General Manager Prestige Wine & Spirits Orchard Park, NY Jeff Vignaux General Manager Spec's Wine, Spirits and Finer Foods Houston, TX Hermen Key VP, Retail Development Total Wine & More Claymont, DE Christina Pearce Senior Buyer Towne Spirits and Fine Wine/Elite Beverages Noblesville & Indianapolis, IN Arnie Lewin Wine & Spirits Director Trig's Cellar 70 Minocqua, WI Dennis J. Kohl Beverage Consultant Vino 100 Michael A. Schaefer, CWE Dir., Business Development Willowbrook Spirit Shoppe Cromwell, CT Christopher Cambareri Owner The Wine Seller Ridgewood, NJ Don Carter Owner/Sommelier Yankee Wine Newtown, CT Steve Small General Manager +++++ (94) Robert Mondavi Carneros Napa Valley Chardonnay Reserve 2011 (California). A rich, yellow gold in the glass, showing its weight and viscosity; the nose is full of ripe tree fruits, with hints of toast and oak; rich and full, with balancing acidity, and a long, lingering fi nish; very classy and fi ne. ($60)