Beverage Dynamics

Beverage Dynamics July-August 2015

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.

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FIVE STARS (96) Stewart Cellars Napa (California). Enjoy the work of Paul Hobbs at less money. Cel- lar-worthy choice. Rich and plush with even tannins. Deep, dark and brooding with a long fi nish. ($65) (96) 2010 Gallo Estate Northern Sonoma Cab- ernet Sauvignon (Sonoma CA). A dense ruby purple, the nose is dominated by lovely black berry and plum fruit, with just a hint of toasted oak. Solid on the palate, the wine is balanced by its acidity. A brilliant example of restraint and power in the bottle. Wonderful now, but capable of aging. ($95) (96) Shypoke 2012 Calistoga (Napa Valley CA). An aromatic, powerful, yet elegant Caber- net aged in French oak. You'll swoon over the ménage of blackberries and cassis. This impec- cable Cab is simply delicious and worth every penny. ($55) (95) 2010 Rocca Family Vineyards, Collinetta Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley CA). From a vineyard located in the Coombsville AVA, just east of the city of Napa, this lovely example of a Napa Valley Cabernet is sure to please the most discerning of palates. Intensely dark in the glass, the nose is fi lled with black fruit, and hints of toast. Exceptionally well bal- anced, with a long fi nish. ($95) (95) Brandlin 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder (Napa Valley CA). Blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc aged 22 months in French barriques, 50% new. A wine of amazing depth. Aromas of currant, plum, and blackberry min- gle with fl oral nuances and a subtle earthiness. Rich, round black fruit fl avors coat the palate with lovely sweet/tart acidity. Hints of smoke, spice, and terroir follow. Tannins are supple and in perfect balance with all components on the lengthy fi nish. ($65) ★★★★★ Five Stars (92-100) A top-flight wine. Superior in taste and char- acter and providing an outstand- ing price/value relationship. ★★★★ Four Stars (86-91) A very good wine and an excel- lent value. A wine for which cus- tomers will keep coming back. ★★★ Three Stars (80-85) An above-average wine, at a rea- sonable price point, which many customers will enjoy. www.beveragedynamics.com July/August 2015 • Beverage Dynamics 51 IPAs • BEER SELECTIONS REVIEWERS' CHOICE A number of panelists reviewed Ballast Point's Grapefruit Sculpin IPA for this issue. All gave the beer fi ve stars, with slight scoring differences. (98) Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin IPA. 7% ABV, 70 IBUs Sculpin pours a beautiful golden color, forming a nice fl uffy white head. Aroma is big hops and wonderful citrus and tropical fruit- iness. Taste is wonderfully balanced between bitter piney hops and an enjoyable grapefruit and mango fruit fi nish. (97) Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin IPA. Pal- atable at 7% ABV and 70 IBUs. Pours golden with hints of reddish orange with a steady white head. Smells of citrus, grass and honey, which are present in the taste, just like the grapefruit. There is a lighter mouthfeel. (97) Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin IPA. 70 IBUs, 7% ABV. Sculpin delivers as one of the most well-balanced IPAs on the market. This light, golden beauty shines with nice citrus notes blended with a light caramel malt fl avor. Smooth from start to fi nish. (96) Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin IPA. Bal- last Point has long been a leader in IPAs, and this Sculpin IPA one-off is a line extension worth the hype! A citrus lover's dream, Ballast Point has taken their world class IPA and added fresh grapefruit. 7% ABV, 70 IBUS. (94) Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin IPA. Pours an orange color with a medium head. Grapefruit aromas abundant, nice balance of bitter, tar t grapefruit and fl oral hops. Medium mouthfeel, refreshing and highly drinkable. ABV: 7%, IBUs: 70 BD refreshing and highly drinkable. ABV: 7%, IBUs: 70 BD WINE SELECTIONS R E TA I L E R The Beverage Dynamics National Wine Panel recommends a variety of American Cabernet Sauvignon. WE ASKED MEMBERS OF OUR PANEL to review their favorite from the U.S. (both California and other states). As always, these selections include brief tasting notes, a rating and the wine's retail price (which can vary from store to store and market to market). If you're a beverage professional with a specialty in wine and you're interested in participating in the panel, please contact Editor Jeremy Nedelka at jnedelka@specialtyim.com or 203-855-8499 x213. RATING SYSTEM

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