Beverage Dynamics is the largest national business magazine devoted exclusively to the needs of off-premise beverage alcohol retailers, from single liquor stores to big box chains, through coverage of the latest trends in wine, beer and spirits.
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WINE SELECTIONS • MALBECS 82 Beverage Dynamics • March/April 2017 www.beveragedynamics.com wineries. Winemaker Leopoldo Kuschnaroff ex- emplifi es the true varietal character of Malbec from Mendoza. Aromas of black cherries and plums lead to a rich, full-bodied palate with fl a- vors of juicy blackberries, and notes of vanilla and sweet spice. Excellent Value! $12 (90) Finca Flichman Malbec Misterio Reserva 2015 (Mendoza, Argentina). This Malbec has that signature Mendoza smooth texture, power, and plush slightly tannic fi nish. Red plum and blackberries are central on the nose and palate and make the wine. $13 (90) Phebus Malbec 2016 (Mendoza, Ar- gentina). Fresh, elegant and fruit-forward, this bright Malbec has really good acidity and notes of black cherry and plum. An easy drinking and smooth mouthfeel are the most notable features of this Malbec. $13 (90) Clos Siguier Cahors 2012 (Cahors, France). Malbec from this region was once called the "Black Wine of Cahors." Clos Siguier mixes in 5% Tannat to create a deep purple beauty. Black cherry and red currant aromas on the nose; the succulent red and black fruits burst forth on the fi nish. This wine features great min- erality, moderate acidity and silky tannins. If you are looking for a Malbec from outside Argentina, this would be an excellent place to start. $14.99 (90) Cruz Alta Malbec 2016 (Mendoza, Argen- tina). This Malbec is a medium plus bodied, and rich for the modest price point. Dark plum and cherry notes dominate the nose and palate but a slight tannic grip defi nes the fi nish. There are spice oak notes but this wine is defi ned by tex- ture and fruit. $11 (90) 2014 Montes Classic Malbec (Chile). Dark ruby color in the glass. Intense ripe cherry notes upfront that fade rather quickly. Medium body that fi nishes rather delicate and short. Would make a nice accompaniment to a good juicy cheeseburger. $11 (90) 2015 Earth First Malbec (Argentina). Big dark fruit aromas on the nose. The Inky color in the glass lead to a rich and complex taste of juicy plum and vanilla that take over your taste buds. The fi nish produces some subtle tannic notes that last nicely. Makes for a great pairing with a nice New York Strip Steak. $13 (90) 2015 Canoe Ridge Vineyard the Expedi- tion Malbec (Washington State). First hints of aroma on this are faint but develop to more com- plex blackberry and spice with time in the glass. Very mild fl avors of vanilla and tobacco blend nicely with dark fruit to offer an overall balanced experience. Finish is short and soft. No need for food — just pop the bottle and enjoy. $15 (89) La Puerta Classico Malbec. Usually drop- ping below $10 in the Malbec world means you are not getting the fruit profi le or classic Malbec style that you want. The La Puerta Classico Mal- bec is not the case. The best Malbec you will ever fi nd for under $10 is at your fi ngertips, so if you are a Malbec fan or even a red wine fan in general, I implore you to fi nd this and give it a shot! $9.99 (89) Finca Flichman Malbec Misterio 2016 (Mendoza, Argentina). Medium bodied and fruit forward, this Malbec has the power and the ripe Mendoza fruit the region is known for. Approachable, the bright notes of cherries and raspberries have a delightful freshness to them. $10 (89) Trapiche Broquel Malbec 2014 (Mendoza, Argentina). Aroma of black fruits. Black cherry, blackberry and minerals dominate the fl avor. Moderately full tannins leading to a long pleas- ant fi nish $14.99 (89) Malma Universo Patagonia Malbec 2010 (Argentina). This a great Malbec for those who are looking to explore the wines of Patagonia. This is densely packed with dark plums, black- berries and cinnamon. A welcomed fl oral lift echos on the fi nish. $31.49 (89) Finca Las Moras Barrel Select Malbec (Argentina). This Malbec offers soft and subtle touches of berry fruit and chocolate. All of the fl avors are gently showcased with a light, lin- gering fi nish. $12.99 (88) 2015 Paul Mas Estate Malbec (Languedoc, France). Nose is very soft with touches of raspberry. Soft, easy mouthfeel that leads to mild anise notes and fades out on the short, anticlimactic fi nish. Good for light red meats or soft cheese. $12 (88) Astica Malbec 2015. The "party Malbec." Affordable for crowds. Nice intro into Malbec. Round and juicy with sweet ripe berry tones. $7 (87) Trivento Malbec 2013 (Mendoza, Argen- tina). Black cherry aroma. Black cherry fl avor with some spice. Simple uncomplicated with moderate tannins and moderate fi nish. A good buy $9.99 (86) Solar de Orfi la Malbec 2013 (Mendoza, Argentina). Perfect introduction to the Malbec varietal. Smooth and easy drinking with just a touch of oak. Lighter in style with light tannins. Perfect pizza wine. $15.99. BD (97) Alexander Valley Vineyards Estate Merlot, 2014 (Alexander Valley, Sonoma). The Alexander Valley AVA has been com- pared to Bordeaux in terms of growing conditions, and this vintage continues a 30-year tradition for producing classic, rich, full-bodied Merlots. Winemaker Kevin Hall has crafted a beautiful wine with rich, juicy black fruit fl avors with hints of pep- per and spice. Fifteen months in oak has added a rich structure. The end result is silky elegance with a long, lingering fi nish. A wine unfazed by fads that has stayed true in style for those who truly appreciate Merlot. ($20) CORRECTION: This wine label should have been in- cluded in the January/February issue of Beverage Dynamics. We regret the error.