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
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/93802
StateWays recommends a lineup of top-quality/value wines for the holidays. W hile StateWays' circulation is limited to the control states, StateWays has a sister publication, Beverage Dynamics, which is distributed nationally to all the so-called "open" states. In every issue, Beverage Dynamics publishes a list of top quality/value wines chosen by its National Retailer Wine Tasting Panel. For its most recent issue, we asked members of the Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel to recommend some of their favorite wines for holiday drinking, and we thought it would be interesting and informative for StateWays readers to have access to these tasting notes for holiday selling. As always, these selections include brief tasting notes, a rating and the wine's retail price (which varies from store to store and market to market). Five Stars (95) Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Cuvée 225 2003 (France). This barrel fermented blend of half chardonnay and half pinot noir exhibits yellow gold color in the glass; the oak fermentation provides a complex nose of spiced stone fruits, with a gentle hint of vanilla; plenty of body on the palate, and its finish is long, harmonious and balanced. ($109) (95) Pierre Peters Cuvee Reserve Blanc de Blancs (France). Elegant celebration wine; creamy with nice small bubbles that seem to never end; clean and not yeasty; ripe apple and pear aromas. ($54) (95) Girard Artistry 2009 (California). A richly textured and elegantly balanced blend of 24 cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, petite verdot, merlot and malbec from the Napa Valley. ($46) (95) Hall Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (California). This cabernet is a blend of lots from five estate vineyards in Napa; it delivers a jammy blackberry aroma with a velvety enduring finish. ($45) (95) Dr. Deinhard Ruppertsberger Riesling Kabinett Halbtrocken 2011 (Germany). From one of the most respected producers of Deidesheim, Pfalz.; a marvelous example of lush, rich riesling made in a half-dry style; complements the cornucopia of cuisines presented during the holi- days or will be the perfect party wine. ($23) (94) Kazmer and Blaise Boon Fly's Carneros Chardonnay 2009 (California). This is what results when you own the land, pro- duce your own barrels, and make the wine; rich, opulent, with great balance on fruit and oak; thick, almost viscous; more masculine in style than your usual California chardonnay, ($75) (94) Darting Durkheimer Fronhof Riesling Kabinett Trocken 2011 (Germany). This is bold, fragrant, flavorful riesling fermented totally dry; a nice hint of the Pfalz's lime- stone lingers on the finish; it will complement all those goodies on your Thanksgiving table or those oysters and caviar on New Year's Eve. ($18) (94) The Federalist Dueling Pistols 2009 (California). A red blend of 50% Syrah and 50% Zinfandel sourced from Dry Creek; cherry aromas ,dark fruit flavors and a hint of spice. ($40) StateWays www.stateways.com November/December 2012