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
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StateWays | www.stateways.com | July/August 2016 37 RETAILER WINE SELECTIONS Much Ado Muscat The StateWays National Retailer Wine Panel rate and review their favorite MUSCAT wines. 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). Un- less noted otherwise, the price refl ects a 750- ml. bottle. If you're a beverage 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 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. RANKING SYSTEM Five Stars ««««« (97) Castello Banfi , Florus Muscadello 2012 (Montalcino, Tuscany). Golden yellow in color, with great viscosity. The nose is highlighted by its dried fruit aspects, with a touch of spice. Good weight and a smooth texture on the pal- ate are just part of its long, balanced, exquisite fi nish. ($31 per 500-ml.) (96) Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Muscat 2013 (Alsace). Pale gold in the glass, the nose is dominated by fresh stone fruit with touches of spice and dried fruit. The palate is exceptionally well balanced, with the fruit and acid working in tandem on the lengthy fi nish. ($26) (95) Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Goldert Grand Cru Muscat 2013 (Alsace). Muscat elegance at its fi nest. A real keeper. Delicate and fl oral, with a touch of minerality. Long, lingering fi nish. A pleasure to sip and savor. ($65) (95) Botani Moscato 2014 (Malaga, Spain). An aromatic, full-fl avored dry style, not "frizzante." A bouquet of melon, peach, apricot and man- darin orange leads to bold, rich fl avors of the same fruits that thoroughly coat the palate. The fi nish is crisp, quite dry and long. The wine is beautifully balanced, and is delicious by itself as an aperitif, but will complement seafood, pork, fowl, even curries, sate's and Szechuan cuisine. 13.5% ABV. ($19) (95) Girasole Vineyards Muscat Canelli 2014 (Mendocino, Ca.). This marvelous wine is sure to delight afi cionados of desser t wines, as well as wine-lovers, period. From handpicked, cer tifi ed organic/vegan grapes from vineyards planted in the 1950s. Aromas of tropical fruits explode while pouring the wine. Intensely sweet fl avors of mango, nectarine and orange abound, fi nishing with racy, refreshing acidity that bal- ances the sweetness perfectly. Pair this with smoked salmon, curries, spicy Asian foods or even BBQ ribs. It's perfect for desser t with fresh fruit or chocolate. 13.5% ABV. ($15) (95) Marchesi di Barolo Zagara Moscato d'Asti 2014 (Piedmont). Straw yellow, with hints of gold. The nose is comprised of orange blossoms, for which the wine is named. The palate echoes the nose, with the addition of stone fruit. Bright and clean, from start to the lingering fi nish. ($19)