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 | September/October 2016 38 RETAILER WINE SELECTIONS All−American Wines The Beverage Dynamics Nation- al Retailer Wine Panel reviews WINES FROM ACROSS THE U.S. 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). Unless 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 ««««« (99) Dolce Late Harvest Desser t Wine 2008 (California). When people in Napa Valley put their minds to something, they normally make it world class. This is no different. A Sauternes-style desser t wine made in Napa Valley, Dolce is considered to be one of the best desser t wines in the world and the 2008 is no different. Silky smooth, with the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, Dolce Late Harvest Desser t Wine is one of the best wine experiences you will ever have. ($54.99) (96) McPherson Cellars Sangiovese 2014 (Texas). Primarily sourced from 25-year-old vines fi rst planted in Texas by "Doc" McPher- son. First released by his son Kim in 1998. Aged 14 months in oak, it offers beautiful fruit with spice and vanilla oak. Perfect with Texas BBQ. ($24.99) (95) The Weekender Experience Meritage 2011 (Napa Valley, CA). There are lovely fl oral and ripe black fruit nuances in the bouquet, fol- lowed by subtle earth tones. The palate exudes fl avors of plum, blueberry and toasty oak, with a slight licorice spice note on the end. The ter- roir shows beautifully on the fi nish with supple tannins balancing the wine perfectly. Gorgeous now, this wine can be cellared for several years. ($59.99) (95) Chimney Rock Elevage 2012 (Napa Val- ley, CA). There are aromas of raspberry, cherry and rosé petal up front, followed by hints of the gravelly soils of the AVA. The rich sweet/ tar t berry fl avors of the Merlot coat the palate, followed by the "la garrigue" of the Petit Ver- dot. The Cabernet Sauvignon adds nuances of blackberry and spice with fi rm tannins on the fi nish. The unique terroir of Stag's Leap lingers over all, giving the wine depth and complexity. While approachable now, this wine will reward you if cellared for 3-5 more years. ($100.00) (95) Miner Family Winery The Oracle 2010 (Napa Valley, CA). While the cuvee' is reminis- cent of a superb Left Bank Bordeaux, The Ora- cle is all Napa Valley. Lush aromas and fl avors of lilac, violet, blackberry and cassis abound with nuances of charred oak and allspice. The mouthfeel is rich. The fi nish is long with a hint of terroir and a perfect balance of tannin and sweet/tar t acidity. This fabulous wine calls for a medium rare Filet Mignon. The 2010 is