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
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/542624
45 StateWays ■ www.stateways.com ■ July/August 2015 (94) 2012 Emblem Cabernet Sauvi- gnon (Napa Valley CA). From the Michael Mondavi family, this Napa Valley Cabernet has it all going on. Dark in the glass, with an outstand- ing nose, with lots of black fruit, spice, and toast. Lots of weight on the palate; the long fi nish maintains its balance throughout. ($60) (93) 2012 Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley CA). From the central Napa Valley region, this Cabernet demonstrates balance and Five Stars (96) Stewart Cellars Napa (Califor- nia). Enjoy the work of Paul Hobbs at less money. Cellar-worthy choice. Rich and plush with even tannins. Deep, dark and brooding with a long fi nish. ($65) (96) 2010 Gallo Estate North- ern Sonoma Cabernet 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 bril- liant example of restraint and power in the bottle. Wonderful now, but ca- pable of aging. ($95) (96) Shypoke 2012 Calistoga (Napa Valley CA). An aromatic, powerful, yet elegant Cabernet aged in French oak. You'll swoon over the ménage of blackberries and cassis. This impecca- ble Cab is simply delicious and worth every penny. ($55) (95) 2010 Rocca Family Vineyards, Collinetta Vineyard Cabernet Sau- vignon (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. Excep- tionally well balanced, with a long fi nish. ($95) (95) Brandlin 2011 Cabernet Sau- vignon Mount Veeder (Napa Valley CA). Blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvi- gnon, 9% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc aged 22 months in French bar- riques, 50% new. A wine of amazing depth. Aromas of currant, plum, and blackberry mingle 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. Tan- nins are supple and in perfect balance with all components on the lengthy fi nish. ($65) (95) Saint Helena Winery 2009 Cab- ernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley CA). Blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot. Estate grown. Native yeast fermentation and 22 months in three types of French oak, 70% new, add to the complexities of this fabulous wine. The bouquet is lush with hints of lilac, blueberry, and black cherry. The mouthfeel is rich with ripe black fruit fl avors min- gling with nuances of mocha, coffee, and sweet spices and a hint of "cigar box" on the end. Tannins are fi rm, in balance, and assure several years of development. ($75) StateWays' sister publication Beverage Dynamics publishes a list of wine recommendations, called Retailer Wine Se- lections, in every issue based upon written evaluations by its National Retailer Wine Panel. Each review includes brief tasting notes, a rating and the wine's retail price (which varies from store to store and market to market). The following is a sampling of top AMERICAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON chosen by the National Re- tailer Wine Panel from its latest issue. If you're a control state offi cial who specializes in wine and you'd like to be a member of the new StateWays wine panel, please email associate editor Kyle Swartz at kswartz@specialtyim.com. 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. Retailer Wine Selections ★★AMERICAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON ★★★