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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39 StateWays Q www.stateways.com Q November/December 2014 (94) Rodney Strong Alexander's Crown Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). Juicy cab with smooth tannins 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 Cabernet 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) Wente Charles Wetmore Livermore Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). This estate vineyard is named for the gentleman who helped develop the area in the late 1800s by cutting from some of the best vineyards in Bordeaux; in that same style, this Cabernet Sauvignon has small amounts of Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Merlot added for intense complexity; aged 14 months in French and American oak; over-delivers in terms of value and quality. ($36) (94) Frisson Vineyards Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). A classic Napa Valley Cabernet; very balanced, with dark rich fruit, and a nutty hint of dark chocolate; restrained tannins, and a moderate alcohol level make for an elegant wine. ($75) (94) Smith & Hook Cabernet Sauvignon 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) 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 finishes 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 flavors that echo the nose; the finish is long, and lingering. ($23) FIVE STAR WINES +THE BEST OF 2014