Stateways

StateWays - November/December 2016

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 | November/December 2016 46 (96) Ravenswood Teldeschi Vineyard Zin- fandel 2013 (Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma CA). Nearly opaque ruby/purple in the glass. The nose is filled with black brambly fruit, hints of spice, and a touch of cocoa. Rich, and mouth-filling, this is a definite keeper. ($37) (96) Bouchard Père & Fils Beaune Clos de la Mousse 2011 (Burgundy, France). From a top Burgundy house, this exceptional, high-quality wine exhibits finesse and breeding. Delicious now, it could certainly improve with a little more bottle time to bring out more of its elegant char- acteristics. One of those "don't pass this up" type of wines. ($65.00) (96) Valenciso Rioja Reserva 2009. An el- egant and complex wine, aged 16 months in French oak, with aromas of violets and a lush cherry and berry palate. This wine will age for at least 10 years, but why wait! ($42.95) (95) Altamura Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvi- gnon. A gorgeous representation of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Elegant structure with rich and balanced fruit offers your palate a dazzling experience of flavors and textures. The beauty is in the simplicity of the wine. ($93) (95) Domaine Filliatreau 2015 "Linnea" Saumur Blanc (Loire Valley). 100% Chenin Blanc from 25-year-old vines. Fermented and aged in stainless steel with a short macera- tion on the skins. Richly aromatic with nu- ances of under-ripe melon, pear and a wisp of anise. On the palate, those flavors take over and linger through the finish along with bright, lively acidity and some great mineral- ity. Totally dry, this simply gorgeous wine is a marvelous example of Loire Chenin Blanc. Pair with milder seafood, cream sauces, or not-too-spicy Oriental cuisine. It's also the perfect aperitif! ($16.99) (95) Domaine Filliatreau 2014 Chateau Fou- quet Saumur Rouge (Loire Valley). 100% Cab- ernet Franc from grapes grown biodynamically in the Saumur village of Breze, then aged and fermented in stainless steel. Expressive floral and black fruit aromas combine with rich earth tones. Concentrated flavors of blackberry and plum harmonize with firm tannins and a lovely hint of terroir. The finish is long with sweet/ tart acidity melding nicely with tannins. De- cant for at least two hours and pair with roast pork, duck, lamb or game. Very enjoyable now, this wine will cellar beautifully for two-to-three years. ($19.99) (95) Domaine Filliatreau 2014 La Grande Vignolle Rouge Saumur-Champigny (Loire Valley). Upon decanting, aromas of lilac, red raspberry and cherry open with nuances of "stones" and chalk following. Tight at first on the palate, the wine begins to show after about two hours. There are layers of concentrated red fruit, clove, licorice and "cigar box" leading to a lengthy finish with firm tannins taking over. All of this is surrounded by that wonderful stony nuance of the vineyard. After five or more years in bottle, it will balance out into something truly special for any wine lover! ($22.99) (95) Domaine La Tour Vielle Collioure Puig Ambielle 2012. This Mouvedre-based red from the seaport town of Collioure is one of the values of the year for the price point. Booming with black fruit flavors up front and a nice hint of spices, the powerful structure of this wine is perfectly balanced with the silkiest of tannins. Try it with some lamb and you will be in a place you never knew existed. ($26.99) (95) Matthiasson "Linda Vista" Chardonnay 2014. This Chardonnay is at the forefront of what Napa Chardonnay should be. The perfect balance of acidity to go with the apple, peach and honey flavors that abound to a clean, min- eral tinged finish. This wine will turn anyone who thinks they are against Chardonnay into a Chardonnay lover. To boot, being the price it is makes it the ultimate Chardonnay experience you will have this year. If you see a chance to get your hands on some be sure to jump at the opportunity, as this is normally a bit harder to find in most markets. ($30.99) (95) Chara '15 Blend of Cataratta & Inzolia (Sicily). This wine won "Best White Wine" at Vin Italy this year, and little wonder. Great bal- ance, luscious stone and citrus, along with per- fect minerality and acid. You'd be hard pressed to find a better one, especially for this price. ($13.95) (94) G. Descombes Morgon 2014. Cru Beau- jolais is always in fashion, and the 2014 offer- ing from Georges Descombes' Morgon plot is no different. This is the blockbuster of his Cru offerings, knocking the socks off of all of the Cru Beaujolais tasted this year. Bursting with fruit up front and enough structure to attract all red-wine drinkers, make this your wine of choice next time you aren't sure what to bring to that dinner party and impress all of your friends and family. ($21.99) (94) Chateau Ksara Cabernet Sauvignon 2012. Upon seeing, smelling and tasting this wine, finding out it is from Lebanon and not from California is an utter shock. Ripe red fruit highlight a wine with the firm tannins you expect from Cabernet and the long seductive finish you dream of and seldom get. Bring this Cabernet anywhere and impress the people you share it with. This is the best bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon you will find this year for under $25 and it's not even close. ($22.99) (94) Stags Leap Wine Cellars Artemis Caber- net Sauvignon (Napa Valley) 2013. Dark purple in color. Plum and cassis aromas. Flavors of blackberry, cherry and cassis. Substantial tan- nins with a long finish. ($57.99) (94) Lamadrid Malbec Reserva Agrelo 2013 (Argentina). Dark ruby red, this well-oaked Mal- bec is fruit-forward with notes of blackberries, plums, pepper and cloves. Medium-bodied, with polished tannins and cinnamon flavors on the finish from the 12 months aging in first-use French oak. An excellent paring with burgers, steak and chicken off the grill. This is a Caber- net-lover's Malbec! ($20) (94) Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani 2009 (Amarone Classico della Valpolicella, DOCG). A blend of 75% Corvina, 10% Rond- inella, 15% Corvino made in the traditional ap- passimento method, the natural drying process of the grapes, shows a strong garnet color that leads you into cherry preserves, spices and a beautiful complexity of dried rose petals. The palate is well structured: balanced red fruits with a elegant finish complemented by velvety tannins. ($79.99) (94) Goldschmidt Vineyard Yoeman Alexan- der Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is the true meaning of big. Lots of big bold fruit and structure; you would be well advised to afford yourself and hour RETAILER WINE SELECTIONS — BEST WINES OF 2016

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