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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42 Beverage Dynamics • May/June 2016 www.beveragedynamics.com FIVE STARS (95) Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel 2013 (Dry Creek Valley, CA). John Pedron- celli, Sr. planted the fi rst vines for this clas- sic in 1927. Vintage after vintage, the wine is unique and stylistic. There is a bouquet of lilac, black fruit preserves and spice. Concentrated fl avors of blackberries, blue- berries, clove and pepper coat the palate and fi nish with a lovely herbal nuance and a touch of Dry Creek terroir. Supple tannins balance out the whole and ensure that this wine will develop in-bottle for several years. It will complement an array of world cui- sines. ($17) WINE SELECTIONS R E TA I L E R The Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel rate and review a slew of zinfandels. WE ASKED MEMBERS OF OUR PANEL to taste and evaluate Zinfandels. 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 bever- age professional with a specialty in wine and you're interested in participating in the panel, please contact associate editor Kyle Swartz at kswartz@epgmediallc.com or 203-855-8499 x2225. ★★★★★ Five Stars (92-100) A top-flight wine. Superior in taste and character and providing an out- standing 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. RATING SYSTEM (95) The Federalist Zinfandel 2013 (Lodi, CA). A simply delightful, easy-to-enjoy style, loaded with classic varietal aromas and fl avors of rasp- berry, Bing cherry and ginger. Medium-bodied, fruit-forward and loaded with classic Zinfandel spiciness. The fl avors coat your mouth and lin- ger on the fi nish with some sweet/tart acidity and soft tannins. It's silky smooth and perfectly balanced across the palate. Pair this with a good curry or sate'. ($19) (95) Trentadue La Storia Block 303 Zinfan- del 2013 (Alexander Valley). Grapes for this estate-produced gem come from head-pruned vines on Trentadue's Estate Geyserville Ranch. It's aged for 13 months in European oak, 25% new barrels. There are fl oral and black fruit notes on the bouquet with a hint of that marvelous Alexander Valley volcanic terroir. Concentrated fl avors of blackberry, black cherry and white pepper harmonize with toasty oak and butterscotch nuances. A hint of licorice shows in the fi nish. The texture is plump and velvety and harmonizes with sup- ple tannins on the lengthy fi nish. An elegant, simply gorgeous Zin that will develop in bottle for several years. ($25) (94) Trinitas El Dorado Zin 2010 (Napa-Sierra Foothills, CA). Very complex, with black tea, to- bacco, vanilla, dark plum, and cherries. Velvety tannins. Simply a great Zin! ($23.95) (94) Robert Craig, Howell Mountain Zinfandel 2012 (Napa Valley, California). 100% mountain fruit and an absolutely unbelievable Zinfandel. Fleshy ripe black and blue fruits, silky layered impressive texture and, fi nally, nuances of euca- lyptus and herbs on the long fi nish. This wine is about fi nesse and structure and delivers an in- credible mouthful of California Howell Mountain Zinfandel with each sip. Just treat yourself; you won't regret it! ($75) (93) Dashe Todd Brothers Dry Creek 2013 Blockbuster old-vine Zin. Dense and full-bodied with lots of black raspberry, black cherry and spice. It has the ability to be cellared for fi ve years. Grill up a T-bone and enjoy. ($35) (93) Beran 2013 (Sonoma County, CA). Classic Zinfandel fl avors with a nose of chocolate, baking spice, plums and blueberry make this wine a real crowd-pleaser. The palate has a touch of heat with notes of blackberries, acai berries, plums, cloves and blueberry jam. Soft tannins make this a very food-friendly wine. This Zinfandel doesn't need huge proteins to stand up next to big tan- nins; pair with BBQ, hard cheeses or even a great dark chocolate dessert! ($36) (92) Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel 2014 (Sonoma, CA). Seghesio has done a remarkable job of producing a consistently great wine from vintage to vintage. This vintage, however, is the