RETAILER

The Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel recommends a lineup of top -quality / value All American Wines

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 reflects 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 editor Kyle Swartz at kswartz @ epgmediallc . com or 763-383-4400 x2225 .

RATING SYSTEM ★★★★★ 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 .

FIVE STARS

( 96 ) McPherson Cellars EVS Windblown 2017 ( TX ). From Area 51 at McPherson comes this special blend that celebrates the earth , vines , and skies of the Texas High Plains ( EVS ). Mouved , petite sirah , carignan , cinsault and grenache are artfully blended . Pepper and spice dominate with dark fruit notes . Classic French varietals as interpreted by Kim McPherson . A new Texas benchmark wine ! ($ 27.99 )

( 96 ) Masut Vineyard & Winery Estate Pinot Noir 2016 ( CA ). You may not be familiar with the Masut label , but you should . Ben and Jake Fetzer ( yes , that Fetzer ) are producing some stunning pinot noirs from the cool climate of Mendocino County . Their Estate Pinot Noir is a deep ruby in color . The nose is an enticing blend of black fruit and subtle spice . On the palate the concentrated fruit is supported by a lush and lovely texture . ($ 40 )

( 95 ) Rowen Red Wine 2014 ( CA ). From a Cooley Ranch site situated at 2,000 feet in elevation in the far north of Sonoma County , this is an unusual blend of 57 % cabernet sauvignon , 22 % malbec , 16 % syrah , 4 % viognier and 1 % petit verdot . Together , they hum along seamlessly , a thick juicy expression of black cherry and berry integrated in oak , with accents of dried herb , vanilla and clove that ’ s cloaked within a smooth texture . ($ 48.99 )

( 94 ) Guardian Chalkline 2016 ( WA ). The fruit flavors are supple , showing a pleasing sense of texture and balance . Aromas of fresh raspberry and plum jump from the glass of this Columbia Valley wine . ($ 26.99 )

( 94 ) Husch Dry Gewurztraminer 2017 ( CA ). This is a sustainably farmed Anderson Valley beauty by Husch , who has been making gewurztraminer for a long time and has it down pat . This is an excellent example of a dry , floral wine that ’ s fun enough for an outdoor summer concert and serious enough for a winter ’ s lunch . It smells and tastes floral , peachy and a little nutty , with medium body and good acidity to balance it . ($ 20.99 )

( 94 ) McPherson Cellars Dry Chenin Blanc 2017 ( TX ). Sourced from 30-plus-year-old vines ; a perfect ABC ( Anything But Chard ) alternative . Km produces this High Plains in a classic French style . Off-dry with fruit-forward notes , touches of minerality , and balanced acidity . A crowd pleaser . ($ 24.99 )

( 94 ) Mad Violets Pino Noir 2016 ( OR ). Only 200 cases of this fantastic Willamette Valley pinot was made , so grab it while you can . Sustainably produced , the silky tannins and deep raspberries hold up to anything ; give it a try with grilled pork . ($ 50 )

( 94 ) Boundary Breaks Riesling , Dry # 239 ( NY ). Bright , clean and focused . An elegant example of a domestic riesling , with all of the elements you would want from this variety . A first-class riesling from the Finger Lakes region . ($ 18.95 )

( 93 ) Wagner Vineyards Meritage 2012 ( NY ). A Finger Lakes blend of cabernet sauvignon , cabernet franc and merlot . And , yes , you are reading this correctly . 2012 is the current release of this

30 Beverage Dynamics • July / August 2019 www . beveragedynamics . com