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
(90) Taz Santa Barbara Pinot Noir 2012 (California). The aromas are bright and vivid with notes of ripe strawberry, red cherry, black tea and spicy cinnamon notes; the nose flows through to the palate with notes of red cherry, vanilla and clove; a crowd- pleaser. ($20) (90) Barcino Brut Cava NV (Spain). Made in the traditional Champagne method, this Spanish sparkler is defi- nitely a cut above others in the category; pale gold color, with tiny bubbles, and a light, nutty fra- grance lead to an elegantly structure and balanced mouth-feel full of tasty citrus and pit fruit and a lingering citrus finish; made from 55% xarello, 25% macabeo and 20% parellada. ($20) interesting and has a whiff of barnyard funk that quickly blows off to reveal ripe bramble bush fruits, earthy garrigue and light oak; medium full, it dis- plays zesty spice notes on the entry and then juicy and ripe red and black cherry and currant flavors roll in, nicely framed by smooth tannins. ($12) (89) Trimbach Pinot Blanc 2009 (France). Nothing is as great as at Thanksgiving meals as an Alsatian white wine; this pinot blanc is bone dry with plenty of fruit and great acidity; serve as an aperitif or with the main event on Turkey Day. ($18) (90) Perucchi White Vermouth (Spain). Something a little different for a holiday aperitif; elegant blend of herbs and botanicals, with touches of allspice, cinnamon, mint and orange blossoms; try with your classic cocktail recipes, or as a won- derful addition to sauces in your kitchen. ($26) (89) Flirt Red 2010 (California). Blueberry, currant, pomegranate and licorice fill your senses; rich juicy plum, Tootsie Roll and vanilla complete the jammy finish; full and complex yet fruity and rich enough impress a range of palates. ($10) (89) Buena Mano La Pistol Red Blend Rattlesnake Ridge Yakima Valley NV (Washington State).Washington's wine answer to garage-style blends; intriguing blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and cabernet franc; organic grapes, sus- tainably grown. ($18) (89) Domaine du Salvard Cheverny 2011 (France). Produced from 84% sauvignon blanc (for brightness) and 16% 28 (90) Folie à Deux Ménage à Trois White 2011 (California). This blend of three grapes has aromas of fresh pear, peach and mango; a mouth full of semi-sweet apple and pear with a touch of cinnamon on the silky finish; sure to please a house full of finicky guests. ($10) chardonnay (for richness) from vines averaging 20 years of age, although some are as old as 65 years; a brilliant pale gold flecked with green; the nose is filled with notes of ripe citrus, flowers, and litchis; aromas that are carried over onto the palate and long finish. ($14) (89) Wine Crios by Susana Balbo Syrah/Bonarda 2009 (Argentina). A silky, rich and smooth blend of yyrah and bonarda; layers of overripe blueberry and blackberry with a slight hint of tobacco; great with your holiday prime rib. ($14) (89) Hannah Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2011 (California). Citrus aroma; citrus and peach flavors; pleasant, medium-long finish. ($18) (89) Rio Perdido Mendoza Malbec 2011 (Argentina). The bouquet is quite (89) Offerente Monastrell 2008 (Spain). Deep red in color; aromas of blackberries, spice and flowers; an intense wine with fine tannins and a lingering, smooth finish; pair with standing rib roast or any other red meat on the holiday table. ($12) (88) Marchesa Gavi 2011 (Italy). From the region where Cortese finds its true home, this low sulfite white is slightly zesty, with lovely mineral notes in the nose mingling with green tree fruit aromas; medium bodied and well balanced with a nice mix of light fruit flavors and a pleasant mineral note remaining throughout. ($15) (87) Cline Cashmere 2010 (California). Red fruit aromas in this red blend; plum, blackberry, cherry; tannic with long finish; a good value. ($15) (87) Rose 'N' Blum Pinot Grigio 2011 (California). The bouquet is fresh and fruity, with aromas of peach and fresh apricot; medium bodied and nicely round, it displays good structure and a touch of apple adding to the peach and apricot flavors on the palate. ($12) StateWays www.stateways.com November/December 2012