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/570883
45 StateWays n www.stateways.com n September/October 2015 Nearly opaque in the glass, the nose is dominated by black fruit, with hints of spice and smoke. Quite weighty on the palate, the finish is long, and superbly balanced. ($60) (95) Chateau Chamaille 2011 (Blaye Cotes De, Bordeaux, France Victoire) A classic old-style Bordeaux Rouge. 90% merlot, 8% cabernet sauvignon, and 2% cabernet franc. Fragrances of lilac and berry mingle with a hint of "La Garrigue." On the palate, flavors of blueberry, plum and spice harmo- nize beautifully with sweet/tart acidity. Tannins are supple; the finish is long with a subtle hint of terroir. Very nice now; the wine will ben- efit from three-to-five years of cellaring. ($18) (95) Chateau Sainte Barbe 2011 (Bor- deaux Superieur, France, Swiss Cellars) 70% Merlot and 15% each cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc, aged 9-12 months in oak. Robust and earthy, with bold aromas and flavors of black- berry, currant and vanilla. On the fin- ish, firm tannins show with a good dose of terroir. Pair this with roast beef, lamb or a thick steak. ($17) (95) Chateau Dorleac 2012 (Graves, Bordeaux, Victoire Imports Co.). 97% merlot and 3% cabernet sauvignon. Lush floral aromas with hints of flint and soil lead to ripe flavors of black- berry and currant, all surrounded by the famous gravelly terroir of Graves. Though approachable now, the wine's firm tannins assure several years of re- warding development. This is a won- derful example of Graves Rouge. ($15) (95) Clos Pegase Mitsuko's Vineyard Mer- lot 2013 (Napa Valley, CA). A very dark ruby in the glass, the nose is filled with spiced black and red fruit, with a hint of smokiness. The wine is mouth filling, with lush dark fruit. The finish is long and balanced. ($35) (95) Shafer Merlot 2011 (Napa Valley, CA). This wine is a dense purple color, with spice, black cherries and black fruits on the nose. This merlot shines with amazing juicy and chewy flavors of cherry pie and strawberry. Has an ele- gant mouthfeel that presents a lengthy, most-enjoyable finish that begs to have another glass. ($60) (94) Markham Merlot 2012 (Napa Valley, CA). Dark fruit aroma. Cherry, plum and blackberry flavors. Substantial tan- nins. Long finish ($23) (94) Miner Stagecoach Vineyard Merlot 2012 (Napa Valley, CA). Dark ruby in the glass, the nose is dominated by spicy dark fruit, with just a touch of smoke. The palate is an echo of the nose, with good weight and length. A great com- bination of power and elegance. ($40) (94) Neyers Merlot 2011 (Conn Valley, Napa Valley, CA). A deep garnet-red hue, alluring aromas of black cherry, mocha and caramel, lifted by a floral hint. Silky and lush in the mouth, with Five Star (97) Pahlmeyer Merlot 2012 (Napa Val- ley, CA). A real powerhouse of a wine. Dense, nearly purple color in the glass, with dark fruit dominating the nose and palate. Hints of spice follow from the nose to the taste, with great fruit and density. An exceptional wine; a real keeper. ($70) (96) Long Shadows Pedestal Merlot 2012 (Columbia Valley, WA). A partnership with Michel Rolland, this Washington State wine shows power with elegance. StateWays' sister publication Beverage Dynamics publishes a list of wine recommendations, called Retailer Wine Selections, 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 merlot, chosen by the Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel from its latest issue. If you're a control state official 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@epgmediallc.com. Retailer Wine Selections HHHHHHHH MERLOT HHHHHHHH Rating System HHHHH Five Stars (92-100) A top-flight wine. Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price/value relationship. HHHH Four Stars (86-91) A very good wine and an excellent value. A wine for which customers will keep coming back. HHH Three Stars (80-85) An above-average wine, at a reasonable price point, which many customers will enjoy. HH Two Stars (70-79) An average wine. H One Star (50-69) A below-average wine.