StateWays is the only magazine exclusively covering the control state system within the beverage alcohol industry, with annual updates from liquor control commissions and alcohol control boards and yearly fiscal reporting from control jurisdictions
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37 StateWays Q www.stateways.com Q November/December 2014 and orange zest; butterscotch fl avors at the fi nish after waves of tropical fruit; great long lingering fi nish; over- delivers for the money. ($36) (97) Frank Family Vineyards Chardonnay 2012 (California). Classic new-world style; fruit forward, rich creaminess, long fi nish; very balanced; Carneros fruit over- delivers; fl oral notes of honeysuckle and fresh bread dough; tropical fruit fl avors dominate. ($48) (96) Nth Degree Livermore Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). Sourced from Wente's vineyard sites, and meticulously "ultra farmed," this is a rich, elegant blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Verdot; rich black cherry fl avors dominate, with a subtle hint of mocha; seamless till the end and very balanced through the fi nish; spectacular. ($132) (96) Cade Winery Howell Mountain Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). This 100 % estate grown Cabernet is loaded with aromas blueberry, blackberry and plums; big, bold and elegant; the fi nish is nicely balanced and lingers for minutes. ($170) (Washington State). Dark fruits with a hint of chocolate, this is a rich full-bodied wine with a luxurious texture. ($60) (95) Ahnfeldt Provocative Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (California). Gorgeous bouquet of lilacs, roses and ripe black fruits; fl avors of blueberry, black currant and plum abound with just a touch of toasted oak; tannins are supple; this wine is absolutely enjoyable now. ($40) (95) Poggio al Tesoro, Sondraia Bolgheri Superiore 2011 (Italy). From Tuscany, this Cabernet dominant blend combines elegance and power; the 18 months in oak, contributes a spiciness to the red and black fruit notes; the taste is fresh and clean, with a long and elegant fi nish; a highly polished wine that will pair with a wide range of meats, cheeses, and other foods. ($55) (95) Chateau Ste. Michelle Ethos Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2011(Washington State). Most of the grapes, used to produce this outstanding wine, came from the established Cold Creek vineyard; (96) Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia 2011 (Italy). Supremely elegant and fi ne, the wine exudes class on the nose and palate; lots of red fruit, with notes of spice help emphasize the wine's pedigree; very satisfying now, the wine will certainly benefi t from medium term aging. ($57) (96) Joseph Jewell Russian River Sonoma Pinot Noir 2011 (California). Very elegant 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; perfect wine for the late spring and early summer months. ($60) (95) Alexander Valley Vineyards Alexander School Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). Older, low-yield vines produce very intense concentrated fruit; 100% Cabernet sauvignon; aged almost two years in premium French oak barrels; a very big wine, rich and chewy, with dark fruit, tobacco and semi-sweet chocolate fl avors. ($45) (95) Daou Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). This full-bodied wine displays black fruits, cassis, wild herbs and earthy notes with ripe, rich tannins; grown at the highest elevation in Paso Robles shows the great complexity of the area. ($30) (95) Fattoria di Felsina Maestro Raro Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (Italy). Cherry, black currant, cedar and coffee aromas leads you into the intense fl avors with refi ned structure; ripe and focused tannins provide grip; tobacco spice notes. ($60) (95) Caymus 40th Anniversary Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). A delicious celebration of Napa Valley Cabernet; rich and robust berry fruit, with balanced tannins marry together for a truly silky fi nish. ($73) (95) Long Shadows Feather Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Rating System +++++ Five Stars (92-100) A top-fl ight 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. (95) Carmen Gold Reserve Maipo Alto Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (Chile). A big, hearty Chilean Cab; lots of oak and vanilla overtones with deep blackberry fruit; balanced tannins from this warm weather region. ($75) (Trinchero) FIVE STAR WINES +THE BEST OF 2014