StateWays Q www.stateways.com Q November/December 2014 36
(97) Alexander Valley Vineyards
CYRUS 2010 (California). Done
in the meritage style (Cabernet
sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet
Franc, Petite Verdot and Malbec);
winemaker Kevin Hall uses only
eight very select barrel aged lots
for his fi nal cuvee; aged 12 month
in French oak and an additional
eight months aging in the bottle;
incredible. ($65)
(97) J.Lohr Hilltop Paso
Robles Cabernet Sauvignon
2011 (California). A beautiful,
harmonious blend of Cabernet
Sauvignon, Petite Verdot, Malbec
and Syrah from prime vineyard
sites; aged 18 months in oak;
smooth, balanced, full-bodied,
with rich layers of cherries and
blackberries. ($40)
(97) Duckhorn Napa Chardonnay
2012 (California). This is the 35
vintage year, and this wine refl ects the
very best of Napa; sourced from 11
different vineyard sites, it showcases
a wide variety of fl avor components,
including melon, pineapple, and
peaches; beautifully regimented barrel
aging program adds rich, complex
textures to balanced acidity; long
lingering fi nish. ($53)
(97) Joseph Drouhin Nuits-Saint-
Georges Damodes 1er Cru 2011
(France). From one of the most
established 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)
(97) Scott Family Estate Arroyo
Secco Chardonnay 2012
(California). All estate grown
fruit from Arroyo Secco area in
the Monterey AVA; intense, rich,
concentrated viscous fruit; Dijon
clones offer fresh notes of vanilla, pear
(98) Sonoma-Loeb Envoy
Carneros Chardonnay 2012
(California). Sourced from the
famed Sangiacomo Vineyards with
the best clones, this is a rich elegant
Burgundian-styled wine with
beautiful tropical fruits, rich butter
and caramel fl avors, and toasted
oak; save this for that special
dinner. ($55)
(97) Buccella Napa Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
(California). A small production
cult wine; deep purple, opaque
in color with concentrated black
currant, licorice, exhibiting
intense and floral characteristic.
($150)
The top wine recommendations from the past year, as judged by the National
Retailer Wine Panel from our sister publication, Beverage Dynamics.
Throughout the year, Beverage Dynamics asked its National Retailer Wine Panel to
review a wide selection of red and white wines. For this issue, we've compiled the
top reviews from 2014, including all those that scored 94 or better. These selections
include brief tasting notes, a rating and the wine's retail price (which varies from
store to store and market to market).
Five Star Wines
+++++THE BEST OF 2014 +++++
