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/724527
ALL−AMERICAN WINES • WINE SELECTIONS www.beveragedynamics.com September/October 2016 • Beverage Dynamics 45 (93) Gruet Brut Rosé NV (New Mexico). If I told you one of the top sparkling wines made in America was made in New Mexico, would you believe me? I didn't at fi rst either, but once I tried the wines from Gruet I was a believer immediately. Booming with pink and red fruits, this rosé brings you to Champagne if you close your eyes. One of the top winer- ies in America blows away the competition at the price point they are at and even a couple above it. If you want Methode Champeniose sparkling wines, Gruet should be your next stop. ($19.99) (93) Katherine Goldschmidt Crazy Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 (California). One of the most amazing Cabernet values out of California. Gentle berry fruit, underlining cherry and a hint of plum, balanced with a little cocoa, give this wine a silky and savory fi nish. (93) Brennan Vineyards Tempranillo 2014 (Texas). This is winemaker Todd Webster's fi fth release from a roller coastal vintage. Aged 18 months in oak. A young wine, medium bodied with rich black fruit. Excellent with BBQ. Rapidly becoming one of the dominant Texas red varietals. ($32.99) (93) Brennan Vineyards Viognier 2015 (Texas). This is the style that put Viognier on the radar as the most popular white varietal in Texas. Sourced for three distinct vineyard sites, this is predominately Viognier, with a touch of Semillon. ($22.99) (93) Seven Rings Cabernet Oak Knoll 2015 (Oak Knoll, OR). A Cabernet that, like the 2015 vintage, is fi rm, concentrated and pow- erful. Judicious use of oak provides balance for the commanding tannins, and Oak Knoll's smooth texture and ripeness come through in this balanced, harmonious effor t. ($30) (93) Barboursville Cabernet Franc 2012 (Vir- ginia). A red wine from the state of…Virginia? You bet, and you bet it's as good as any Amer- ican Cabernet Franc as well. Brilliant clarity hits your eye the same time ripe red fruits hit your nose. Laced with velvety tannins and a fi rm, lin- gering fi nish, Barboursville Cabernet Franc will make you forget it isn't from one of the "big time" wine states. ($25.99) (93) Soter North Valley Chardonnay Reserve 2012 (Oregon). This is not an oak bomb. Bal- anced fruit and acidity, with fl oral aromas, toffee and apple on the palate — all deliver a rich, long fi nish that is a treat. ($30) (92) Dr. Konstantin Frank Pinot Gris 2012 (New York). We have to go to New York to fi nd one of the most impressive Pinot Gris made in America. Dr. Konstantin Frank epitomizes the style and gives the Finger Lakes region some- thing to brag about. A wine highlighted by notes of pear and peach on both the nose and the pal- ate, delivering enough acidity for a crisp, clean fi nish. ($15.99) (92) Bending Branch Winery Tempranillo 2012 (Texas High Plains AVA, TX). Sourced from the legendary Newsom vineyards in the Texas High Plains, this is one the best inter- pretations of Tempranillo in the U.S. Full bod- ied, bursting with bright fruit fl avors. Aged 24 months in American oak. Black fruit, dark choc- olate and cigar box notes lead to a long lingering fi nish. ($34.99) (92) Bending Branch Winery Comfor tage 2015 (Texas Hill Country, TX). Named after their hometown of Comfort, Texas, this 100% Rou- sanne excels. Clean crisp, with very balanced acids. Hints of peach, spice and apple. Aging is 50/50 in oak and stainless steel. Great food wine for grilled seafood or chicken. ($32.99) (92) Millbrook Tocai Friulano Proprietor's Special Reserve 2015 (New York). Nicely bal- anced: not too dry, not too sweet. It's like a Pinot Grigio on steroids. Very food friendly: fi lled with refreshing aromas of pear, apricot and citrus. ($15) (92) Truth and Valor Cabernet 2014 (Cali- fornia). This is an energetic Cabernet that ex- presses aromas and fl avors of ripe plumb, dark cherry, cranberry, dark chocolate, and coffee notes. This wine delivers great texture and bal- ance with a long fi nish. ($25) (92) Yorkville Semillon 2013 (Mendocino County, CA). Adding a pinch of Sauvignon Blanc to this organic Semillon makes for a perfectly balanced wine, brimming with pear, quince, apri- cot and lime. The light, creamy fi nish is a perfect companion to any shellfi sh. ($21) (92) Kicker Cane Cabernet 2014 (Alexander Valley, CA). A powerful Cabernet with notes of ripe plumb, redcurrant, clove and other spices. This Alexander Valley wine shows that you do not have to drink Napa to get complex Cabernet. ($20) (92) Verada Pinot Noir 2014 (California). This luscious smooth Pinot Noir has an opulent nose, and rich body showing fruit forward ripe characteristics. The smooth texture and struc- ture combined with the raspberry, strawberry, spice and vanilla notes form a complex, plush wine. ($17) (92) Willamette Valley Vineyards 2014 (Wil- lamette Valley, OR). Oregon is not where you would typically expect to fi nd Riesling of this outstanding quality. The aromas of sweet, ripe nectarine, Anjou pears, wild fl owers and hon- eysuckle lead you to believe this will be a sweet wine. But as the wine dances across the pal- ate, the complex fl avors and the focused acidity takes over. Completing the experience is the long, lingering fi nish. ($15) (91) Le Fervent Syrah 2013 (Washington). The beautiful energy of Washington state fruit and the romance of French winemaking from the Rhone make this wine an unbelievable value. Wonderful hints of blueberries are surrounded by a gentle structure of tannin and acidity. ($17.99) (91) Iter Pinot Noir 2014 (California). A Pinot Noir with fruit-forward raspberry and blackcur- rant notes comes together with spice features for a touch of oak treatment. The ripe fruit notes and defi nite acidity create a savory, smooth, classic California Pinot Noir. ($15) (91) Crossfork Creek Merlot 2014 (Yakima Valley, WA). A deep bold Merlot from Sheridan. shows blackberry, blueberry, tobacco and subtle oak notes for structure. The bold tex- ture is complimented by a bright acidity, mak- ing this a forward, yet complex, easy-drinking wine. ($20) (91) Crossfork Creek Cabernet 2014 (Yakima, WA). Elegant Cabernet from Sheridan with a lay- ered dark fruit and smoky notes that are striking. The tannic grip and noticeable acidity carry the fruit and secondary charred notes to a vibrant fi nish. ($20)