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/485350
www.beveragedynamics.com March/April 2015 • Beverage Dynamics 75 +++++ Five Stars (92-100) A top- flight 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. RATING SYSTEM WINE SELECTIONS R E TA I L E R FIVE STARS (97) Fiddlehead Cellars 2013 Goosebury Sauvignon Blanc (California). A "New World" style, fermented in stainless steel and unoaked to display the beautiful aromas and fl avors characteristic of Sauvignon Blanc grown in the unique micro-climate of Happy Canyon. Fresh hints of peach, mango, and zest of mandarin mingle with a mineral nuance on the nose. Those tropical fl avors gently take over the palate and carry through to the fi nish where the "terroir" and crisp, lively acidity make you smack your lips. New World, yes, but reminiscent of Pouilly-Fume' or Sancerre. This is a must try for the connoisseur of Sauvignon Blanc. ($35) (95) 2013 J. Lohr Sauvignon Blanc, Carol's Vineyard (California). Named for Mr. Lohr's wife Carol, with a por tion of proceeds going to breast cancer research. Classic Napa fruit, with a creamy texture and a per fume nose that offers up robust citrus hints. Rich and power ful with a lingering finish. ($28) The Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panelists recommend a variety of Sauvignon Blancs. WE ASKED MEMBERS OF THE PANEL to review some of their favorite Sauvignon Blancs. As always, these selections include brief tasting notes, a rating and the wine's retail price (which varies from store to store and market to market). If you're a retail beverage professional interested in participating in the panel, please contact Editor Jeremy Nedelka at 203-855-8499 x213 or jnedelka@specialtyim.com. (95) Yvon Mau 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (France). 100% Varietal with aromas and fl avors of tropical fruits and citrus. Racy, crisp, and dry on the fi nish with a hint of minerality. Also an excellent value. ($12) (95) 2013 La Chapiniere Touraine Sauvignon (France). Lush aromas and fl avors of honeydew, pineapple and grapefruit abound with lively, refreshing acidity on the lengthy fi nish. On the very end, a note of "fl int" shows up in a most delightful way. This wine has many characteristics of good Sancerre, and is more affordable. ($20) (95) Heron 2012 Sauvignon Blanc (California). Whole-cluster pressing and a three-week cold fermentation in stainless steel results in a refreshing fruit-forward style with no oak aging. A lush bouquet of peach and pear with a whiff of lemon-grass gets your attention. On the palate, you'll taste melon, apricot, and citrus with a hint of sweet anise. The fi nish is long and not-quite- dry. A simply lovely style. ($15) (94) 2013 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Aveta Sauvignon Blanc (California). Bright pale gold in the glass, the nose is a beautiful mix for tropical and citrus fruits, with a touch of the variety's signature grassiness. A long, balanced fi nish confi rms the wine's quality. ($26) (94) 2012 Robert Mondavi Reserve Fume Blanc (California). This barrel-fermented, single- vineyard wine is a brilliant bright gold in the glass, with plenty of notes on citrus, white peach, and fl oral hints. Good weight and texture contribute to the attractive grassiness and minerality. ($50) (94) Markham Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 2013 (California). Crisp, bright acidity balances the surprisingly lush and welcoming full mid-palette in this straw pale gem. Melon and apricot offset the citrus notes, making this a fine accompaniment to steamed bivalves or delicate seafood dishes. ($13) (93) Loveblock Sauvignon Marlborough 2013 (New Zealand). This new effort from Kim Crawford's hilltop vineyards has a welcoming appeal. It is NOT the one-note citrus, grapefruit