// WINE REVIEW - TOP WINES

PHOTO CREDIT : © NEW AFRICA - STOCK . ADOBE . COM

We asked members of our panel to taste and evaluate THEIR FAVORITE WINES OF 2022 . 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 ). If you ’ re a beverage professional with a specialty in wine and you ’ re interested in participating in the panel , please contact Off-Premise editor Kyle Swartz at kswartz @ epgacceleration . com or 763-383-4447 .

Five Stars �����

( 98 ) Alexander Valley Vineyards Cyrus 2017 ( CA ). Five classic varietals for a Bordeaux blend are selected from nine of their best estate lots . Each lot was fermented and aged separately for 12 months , then aged an additional 12 months after the blending process in French oak . The result is a beguiling puzzle that pulls you in all the right directions — unctuous , complex , rich and balanced — all perfectly done and in complete harmony . Flavors of dark chocolate , black fruits complement the rich oak and vanilla notes . Saved this for a petite filet dinner , with garlic mashers and creamed spinach — who needs dessert ! ($ 75 )

( 97 ) Nicolas Joly Savennieres Les Vieux 2019 Chenin Blanc ( France ). This is not your everyday sipper . Organic and made from select ancient vines . Complex , with honeyed stone fruits laden with zesty citrus and light spice . Fresh almond and flint with a creamy texture and long lush finish . It should age well for at least 10 years . Enjoy with seared curried scallops . ($ 75 )

( 97 ) Jean-Michel Guillon & Fils Les Crais Gevrey-Chambertin 2018 ( France ). A seductive wine that opens with aromas of wildflowers and red fruits . The palate is overwhelmed with gorgeous flavors of sage-dusted raspberry , ripe plum and the gentlest caress of dark chocolate . A hint of earthiness on the generous finish completes the mission . ($ 69.99 )'

( 97 ) Alexander Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 ( CA ). I decided to repeat my experiment from before with another 1994 from my cellar to taste and compare side by side with the current release here . Building on the house style , Winemaker Kevin Hall has done it again . 95 % cab is layered with touches of merlot , while hints of cab franc , malbec and petit verdot add fruit notes and seamless complexity . The ‘ 94 still had remnants of fruit and showed great structure — patience was rewarded here . The 2020 has beautiful dark fruit notes , firm tannins and a

RANKING 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 .

rich , elegant finish . These two were the highlight of this year . ($ 27.99 )

( 96 ) Caterwaul Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 ( CA ). Bursting with notes of ripe black cherry , dark chocolate and crushed blackberries , laying down a silky mouthfeel before surrendering to a finish kissed with hints of cocoa powder and toasted oak . Made by deliciously talented Thomas Rivers Brown , this wine is a winner from a challenging vintage . ($ 59.99 )

Winter 2022 • Beverage Wholesaler 19