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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78 Beverage Dynamics • November/December 2015 www.beveragedynamics.com FIVE STAR WINES • THE BEST OF 2015 mas and fl avors predominate. The merlot adds a velvety texture, the petit verdot adds a pleasant herbal nuance. Tannins are fi rm. While nice now, fi ve to six more years will allow some lovely de- velopment. ($50) (95) Rocca Family Vineyards, Collinetta Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (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 pal- ates. 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) Saint Helena Winery Cabernet Sau- vignon 2009 (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 mingling 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) (94) Emblem Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (Napa Valley, CA). From the Michael Mon- davi 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) Amavi Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (Washington). 100% estate grown, the nose is bursting with blueberry and baking spices. The palate is layered with cassis, cur- rants and black licorice. Everything is brought together by racy minerality and soft dusty tan- nins on the fi nish. A delicious glass of wine— perfect for summer grilling. ($46) (93) B.R. Cohn Gold Label 2012 (California). A blend of 67% Napa County, 33% Sonoma County. Rich, lush, generous cabernet show- ing nuances of both Napa and Sonoma. Clas- sic currant notes, dark fruits, mocha, plum and well-integrated acidity and tannins for a full-bodied, smooth fi nish. ($42) (93) Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sau- vignon 2012 (California). Complex and sat- isfying, with plush fruits of black cherry and nuances of espresso and bittersweet choco- late. A great match with short ribs, veal dishes and hard cheeses. ($45) (93) Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (Napa Valley, CA). From the central Napa Val- ley region, this cabernet demonstrates balance and elegance. A dense ruby in the glass, the notes of dark fruit and toast are echoed on the powerful yet balanced palate. Lots of delicious fruit, from start to long fi nish. ($50) (93) Northstar Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (Washington). From one of the Columbia Val- ley's most acclaimed wineries, this cabernet exemplifi es the potential of Washington wines. A dense purple in the glass, notes of dark fruit, spice and toast rise from the glass. On the palate, the fruit is bright and clean, and the well-balanced fi nish lingers on for quite some time. ($41) (93) Red Mare Cabernet Napa 2012 (Califor- nia). This concentrated, attractive cabernet of- fers saturated fl avors of cassis, baking spices, leather and dark chocolate that integrate nicely with the wine's broad, expansive fi nish. ($50) (93) The Counselor Alexander Valley Caber- net Sauvignon 2012 (California). This caber- net is wonderfully complex with many different fl avors that sneak up on you, such as cocoa, tobacco and currant. There is intensity to this wine, which with time turns into velvety good- ness. ($32) Merlot (97) Pahlmeyer Merlot 2012 (California). 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 (Washington). A partnership with Michel Rolland, this Washington State wine shows power with elegance. Nearly opaque in the glass, the nose is dominated by black fruit, with hints of spice and smoke. Quite weighty on the palate, the fi nish is long, and superbly balanced. ($60) (95) Chateau Chamaille 2011 (France). A clas- sic old-style Bordeaux Rouge with 90% merlot, 8% cabernet sauvignon and 2% cabernet franc. Fragrances of lilac and berry mingle with a hint of "la garrigue." On the palate, fl avors of blue- berry, plum and spice harmonize beautifully with sweet/tart acidity. Tannins are supple; the fi nish is long with a subtle hint of terroir. Very nice now; the wine will benefi t from three to fi ve years of cellaring. ($18) (95) Chateau Dorleac 2012 (France). 97% merlot and 3% cabernet sauvignon. Lush fl oral aromas with hints of fl int and soil lead to ripe fl avors of blackberry and currant, all surrounded by the famous gravelly terroir of Graves. Though approachable now, the wine's fi rm tannins as- sure several years of rewarding development. This is a wonderful example of Graves Rouge. ($15) (95) Chateau Sainte Barbe 2011 (France). 70% Merlot and 15% each cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc, aged 9-12 months in oak. Robust and earthy with bold aromas and fl avors of blackberry, currant and vanilla. On the fi nish, fi rm tannins show with a good dose of terroir. Pair this with roast beef, lamb or a thick steak. ($17) (95) Clos Pegase Mitsuko's Vineyard Merlot 2013 (California). A very dark ruby in the glass, the nose is fi lled with spiced black and red fruit, with a hint of smokiness. Mouth fi lling, with lush dark fruit. The fi nish is long and balanced. ($35) (95) Shafer Merlot 2011 (California). 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 fl avors of cherry pie and strawberry. With an elegant mouthfeel that presents a lengthy, most enjoyable fi nish that begs to have another glass. ($60) (94) Markham Merlot 2012 (California). Dark fruit aroma. Cherry, plum and blackberry fl a- vors. Substantial tannins. Long fi nish ($23) (94) Miner Stagecoach Vineyard Merlot 2012 (California). 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 combina- tion of power and elegance. ($40)