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/64274
(89) Hartford Court Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2010 (California). The moderate bouquet is classically Russian River, with butter and oak undertones hit- ting the nose first, and then subtle aromas of pear, apple and melon slowly unfolding; medium-full, ripe and rich, it has a soft entry and plush mouth-feel until firm acidity moves in and sharpens things up nicely, making for a crisp finish. ($30) (89) Montes Limited Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2010 (Chile). Bright lemon-lime flavors and aromas jump from the glass; top- notch intensity. ($14) (89) Washington Hills Late Harvest Sweet Riesling 2010 (Washington State). Floral aromas with hints of honey; oranges, apricots and peaches with a hint of sweetness on the finish makes this wine perfect for summertime. ($10) (88) Apothic White 2010 (California). A fun and energetic white blend made up of Chardonnay, Riesling and Moscato; the Chardonnay gives it some viscosity and body while the Moscato and Riesling offer a fun pop of fruit and acidity. ($11) (88) Ceviche Central Coast Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (California). As the name implies, this is a great seafood wine; crisp and dry, packed with flavors of tropical fruit, dried apricot and lime zest; the notable tannins add a food friendly layer of depth, and the finish is remarkably lengthy for a Sauvignon Blanc of this price. ($11) (88) Martin Códax Albariño 2010 (Spain). This appeal- ing, crisp white will be a pleasant complement to light appetizers, chicken or seafood; chilled, this Rias Baixas gem is a great summer "deck" wine or Sunday brunch accompani- ment; fruit on the mid-palette gives way to a long, lean finish. ($16) (88) Ruffino Lumina Venezia Giulia Pinot Grigio 2010 (Italy). Known more for their offer- ings from Chianti, this is a lively, refreshing white from the northeast of Italy; bright straw, with yellow notes; the nose and palate contain plenty of fresh tree and tropical fruits; the finish is quite bright, balanced and lengthy. ($10) (88) Riunite Movendo Sparkling Riesling (Italy). Light and not cloying ripe pear-like fruit; good match for poultry and seafood or for any party. ($7) (88) Gazella Vinho Verde 2011 (Portugal). A perfect "patio pounder" for hot and humid weather; refreshingly crisp and light, with low alcohol content. ($6) (88) Sextant Central Coast Chardonnay 2009 (California). Glycerin and petrol notes pop up at first and then some old (as in used) oak edges steal in; touches of butter cream and unripe citrus chime in as well; round and full on the palate, it shows off good richness yet there is a nice frame of acidity lending struc- 44 • Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • May/June 2012 ture, with lets the fruit flavors of ripe pear, persimmon and apple pull for- ward and gain richness. ($15) (88) Ringside Vineyards California Chardonnay 2010 (California). The bouquet is fresh and juicy, even a bit plush, with ripe melon aromas and a light touch of wood; medium bodied and quite juicy on the palate, a honey note leads off followed by ripe melon and pear with a touch of citrus; good depth and a nice finish; exceptional value. ($8) (88) Josh Cellars North Coast Chardonnay 2010 (California). A lightly buttery note leads off the bou- quet and then some light citrus peel and green melon aromas arrive; pretty tart on the palate entry, with a fresh squeeze of lemon and lime followed by notes of pineapple, pear and green apple; good length. ($16) (88) Picpoul de Pinet H B 2010 (France). Light and fresh with loads of fruit; medium dry and crisp; definitely a go-to banquet wine. ($10) (88) Airfield Yakima Valley Chardonnay 2010 (Washington State). Possesses a light bouquet with fresh green citrus and melon aromas; ripe on the palate, where more citrus arrives, and then pineapple and peach take the lead with lemon-lime tailing in on the finish; acidity is light, but it still has plenty of crispness. ($13) (88) Frisk Prickly Riesling 2011 (Australia). A light, lemony Riesling with floral notes and bubbles; slightly sweet and spicy at the same time; easy to like. ($10) (87) Sciarpa Venezie Pinot Grigio 2010 (Italy). Displays a for- ward bouquet, with a nice combina- tion of sweetness and some interesting mineral notes; full and round, the fruit is forward on the palate, too, and quite juicy, with an appealing mix of pineapple, apple and citrus; nice length on the finish. ($10) (87) Seaglass Santa Barbara Sauvignon Blanc 2010 (California). Big grapefruit and pineapple in the aroma as well as the flavor with just enough grassiness and acidity to make it a worthy summer pick. ($11)