RETAILER

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

For our latest wine panel , we asked panelists to taste and grade American wines . These wines could be any style within the category , from anywhere in the country . 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 , contact Editor Kyle Swartz at kswartz @ epgaccelceration . com .

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 ) Canvasback Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 ( WA ). Canvasback reflects the Washington State portion of the Duckhorn portfolio . Sourcing from the famed Red Mountain appellation virtually guarantees exceptional fruit . Bordeaux-style blending ( primarily cabernet , with merlot , petit verdot , syrah and malbec ), mountain-fruit sourcing and a 20-month French-oak aging program yield spectacular results . Beautiful color and soft berry aromas yield to a smooth lingering finish , with plum and dark chocolate notes . An excellent example of Washington

State cabernet , perfect for that rib-eye coming off the grill . ($ 45.99 )

( 94 ) Floorshow Red Blend ( CA ). Bold and full-bodied . Dark berries , oak , vanilla and spice intermingle seamlessly on the palate . Soft and sumptuous tannins give this wine a long and lingering finish that leaves you wanting more . ($ 49.99 )

( 93 ) Truth & Valor Zinfandel 2020 ( CA ). This is a great example of a super juicy zin from Paso Robles . Full and broad on the palate . Jammy , overripe cherries and a hint of mandarin peel on the finish elevate this wine to make it not feel so heavy . Great choice for any get-together , as it pairs well with a variety of foods . ($ 24.99 )

( 93 ) Tablas Creek Grenache / Mourvedre / Cournoise 2021 ( CA ). Made from vines brought from Beaucastel , this organic rosé is pretty , pale pink and yummy . Mouthwatering peach and wild strawberry with just a hint of the sea . Perfect for an afternoon picnic with butter and cucumber sandwiches . ($ 33 )

( 93 ) Sheldrake Point Winery Dry Rosé 2021 ( NY ). This Finger Lakes wine is 100 % cabernet franc rosé . The nose has ripe strawberry aromas , the taste is mouthwatering with hints of fresh berries , ripe cherries and fresh stone fruits .

( 97 ) Alexander Valley Vineyards ASR Petite Sirah 2018 ( CA ). Kevin Hall showcases his passion for small-lot projects ( 568 6-btl . cases ) with this special offering . This second vintage is sourced from two special lots that were grafted over to old head-pruned vines in hillside and valley floor sites . Almost perfect growing conditions yielded perfect fruit . Hand harvested , then soaked for 24 hrs ., yeast inoculated and then punched down for maximum color and fruit extraction . After vinification , the wine was aged in a 20- month oak barrel program . Inky , dark and perfumed , with blue fruit berries dominating on the nose . Balanced acidity , with hints of vanilla and dark chocolate lead to a smooth , lingering finish . I just love experiments that turn out like this ! ($ 49.99 )

www . beveragedynamics . com September / October 2022 • Beverage Dynamics 31