Stateways Summer 2023 | Page 65

RETAILER WINE SELECTIONS - SPRING / SUMMER WINES months in American oak . Very rich and full bodied , with almost-port notes to start , and moving then to plum , black pepper and licorice flavors . ($ 49.99 )

( 91 ) 2020 Radius Red Blend ( WA ). Dark purple color and baked strawberry and cherry notes on the nose . This would be a great spring / summer patio companion with a slight chill on it . Bright tart strawberries on the finish make this a fun food-pairing wine too . ($ 16.99 )

( 91 ) 2022 Kia Ora Signature Sauvignon Blanc ( New Zealand ). Floral aromas like apricot blossoms with a hint of tart candy lend to this wine ’ s bracing acidity upon entry . Strong lime and citrus notes give it the signature sauvignon blanc feel , without being overly tangy . ($ 19.99 )

( 90 ) 2021 Blue Canyon Chardonnay ( CA ). Very mellow wine , with green apple and melon notes , smoothed out by a buttery , almost yogurt-like nose . This would please chardonnay drinkers at any get-together . ($ 15.99 )

( 90 ) 2021 Cooper Station Pinot Noir ( CA ). Lighter body style : this could use a slight chill on it for warmer weather . Baked raspberries with touches of cedar and eucalyptus on the nose and palate make this a more complex example of pinot noir at this price point . ($ 16.99 )

( 90 ) All Kings Brut Classic ( CA ). Pale yellow in color . Notes of almond and yeast on the nose , with fresh cantaloupe , pear and apple notes that complement the delicate but crisp bubbles . ($ 14.99 )

( 90 ) All Queens Rose Brut ( CA ). This sparkling wine has a delightful acidic pop in the front of the palate , with fresh cherries and watermelon that mellows out through the finish . ($ 14.99 )

( 90 ) Chapoutier Belleruche Cotes Du Rhone 2021 ( France ). Presents with a nose showing pepper and perfume with hints of rosemary and mint . Lush cherry , raspberry , strawberry and nectarine offer up a lively palate perfect for a summer barbecue . ($ 14 )

( 90 ) San Gregorio La Muela 2021 ( Spain ). A complex white blending citrus , passion fruit , banana , peach and pear . Perfectly balanced with just the right amount of acid . Partner it with a seafood paella . ($ 13 )

( 90 ) J . Lohr Bay Mist White Riesling 2022 ( CA ). Perfect addition to the patio lineup . Sustainably grown in J . Lohr ’ s sweet spot for their white wine program . On paper , the perfect aperitif wine : under 90 calories , lower alcohol ( 12.5 % ABV ), 4.8 carbs , convenient screw cap — all in a visually beautiful package . Kristen Barnhisel as winemaker has crafted a classic dry riesling with hints of pear , apple and white chocolate . Great when paired with classic Asian dumplings ($ 12.99 )

( 89 ) Charles de Fere Reserve Blanc de Blanc Brut NV ( France ). A classic sparkler from the extensive Boisset portfolio . Crafted in Burgundy with the best grapes sourced from diverse appellations , the house blend of ugni blanc , colombard , chenin blanc and chardonnay varies from year to year to maintain this classic style . Produced in the traditional method and aged for 12 months . Tiny fine bubbles with almond and white fruit notes . An excellent value . ($ 15.99 )

( 89 ) Domaine Bousquet Sauvignon Blanc 2021 ( Argentina ). Vinified from an organic estate and purchased fruit , creating an exuberant and fresh wine . Lime and apple predominant , with a touch of tropical on the nose . No oak , just clean and delicious . ($ 12.95 ) •

THE BEVERAGE ALCOHOL MERCHANDISING MAGAZINE FOR CONTROL STATES

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