RETAILER

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

FOR THIS ISSUE , we asked members of the Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel to recommend some of their favorite American wines . 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 ). If you ’ re a retail beverage professional who would like to learn about participating in our panel , call Kyle Swartz at 763-383-4400 x2225 , or email him at kswartz @ epgmediallc . com .

RATING SYSTEM HHHHH Five Stars ( 92-100 ) A top-flight wine . Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price / value relationship . HHHH Four Stars ( 86-91 ) A very good wine and an excellent value . A wine for which customers will keep coming back .

HHH Three Stars ( 80-85 ) An above-average wine , at a reasonable price point , which many customers will enjoy .

FIVE STARS

( 97 ) Gloria Ferrer Carneros Cuvée 2010 ( CA ). A combination of pinot noir and chardonnay , the wine sat in the bottle , after its secondary fermentation , for over eight years . This provides a level of complexity and elegance rarely seen in a domestic sparkling wine . Whether you have a special occasion to celebrate ( maybe when the kids return to school ?), or not , you owe yourself the opportunity to open a bottle . Enjoying this superb bottle will be a celebration , all by itself . ($ 80 )

( 96 ) Foppiano Vineyards Petite Sirah 2016 ( CA ). From one of the “ masters ” of this variety , the Foppiano family has been producing and bottling petite sirah for generations . Their dedication to the variety — and attention to detail in the vineyard and winery — is all on full display here . The wine is dark in the glass , with a touch of purple hints . On the nose , and in the mouth , lots of dark fruit are accented by spice , and hints of dark chocolate . The balanced tannins supply a velvety texture , adding to the wine ’ s allure . ($ 24.99 )

( 96 ) Hall Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon-classic Paso Robles Cab 2017 ( CA ). Big , smooth tannins with layers of dark berry , touch of toasty oak and a wisp of dark chocolate . ($ 20 )

( 96 ) WindVane Estate Pinot Noir ( CA ). A wonderfully balanced pinot noir , from a well-known pinot-producing region . Brilliant ruby in the glass , with subtle garnet hints . The nose and palate burst with elegant red fruit . The acidity carries through the long and graceful finish . A wine to match with a wide variety of foods , it is exceptionally versatile . ($ 30 )

( 95 ) Frank Family Vineyards Carneros Chardonnay 2017 ( CA ). A rich and delicious chardonnay masterpiece . Layers of savory butter and vanilla are intertwined with gentle hints of lemon . The creaminess and acidity are balanced and elegant . ($ 37 )

( 95 ) Mad Violets Pinot Noir 2015 ( OR ). Pommard and dijon clones from three AVAs blend to produce this gorgeous pinot noir . Rich strawberry and forest notes create a lush , perfect Oregon example . Only 400 cases produced . ($ 45 )

( 95 ) Two Angels Petite Sirah ( CA ). Intensely dark in the glass , with lots of purple tone . You can tell by the color that this wine is a powerhouse . The nose and palate confirm that assessment , with plenty of saturated dark fruit , with spice and hints of vanilla . Pair it with an identically intense dish and you ’ ll be rewarded with a wonderful flavor combination . ($ 26.99 )

( 95 ) Hall Ranch Zinfandel 2018 ( CA ). If you haven ’ t found a Zin you like , try this one ! Dense , soft tannins with dark cherry and a hint of black bramble and cinnamon . Serve with something off the grill or a nice soft goat cheese . ($ 19 )

( 94 ) Ironstone Vineyards , Petite Sirah 2018 ( CA ). Nearly all petite sirah , with a small amount of zinfandel , the wine is nearly opaque in the glass , with hints of purple . The nose and palate share a similar profile of dark fruit , with hints of spice . The finish is long , with a lush texture . A great bargain ! ($ 13.99 )

32 Beverage Dynamics • July / August 2020 www . beveragedynamics . com