Anna Lee Iijima

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Anna Lee Iijima

Tasting Coordinator Anna Lee Iijima joined Wine Enthusiast in 2010 following a career in corporate law. She has studied with the American Sommelier Association, the International Wine Center and the Sake Education Council, and is currently working to obtain a diploma in wine and spirits from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. Her passion for Japanese saké and shochu often rivals her devotion to wine.

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Royal Tokaji 2003 Essencia Furmint (Tokaji)

Price $764

Surprisingly subtle, yet maddeningly complex, this is a rare treat to unravel slowly, sip by sip. Sweet and honeyed on the nose with scents of freesia, orange peel and stone fruit, but accented with just a hint of sun-dried hay. The palate is deeply concentrated with undulating waves of honey, beeswax and fruit, but balanced with striking tangerine acidity… — A.I. (5/1/2012)

Royal Tokaji 2007 Red Label Aszú 5 Puttonyos Tokaji (Tokaji)

Price $43

Ebulliently floral on the nose, this decadently creamy Tokaji bursts with characteristic honey, peach preserve and dried fig sweetness. A streak of citrusy acidity adds balance, while subtle hints of caramelized sugar and tea leaves add twists to the long, honey-kissed finish. — A.I. (5/1/2012)

Royal Tokaji 2009 Mád Cuvée Late Harvest Tokaji (Tokaji)

Price $20

For $20, this bargain basement Tokaji is pretty unbelievable. Abundantly floral and honeyed on the nose, it’s deeply concentrated on the palate, with layers of luscious figs and peaches, accented by lanolin and beeswax. Creamy and unctuous on the tongue, yet clean and fresh on the finish, with orange-inflected acidity that lingers. — A.I. (5/1/2012)

Saints Hills 2009 Dinga Plavac Mali (Peljesac)

Cellar Selection
Online Exclusive

Price $65

There’s so much nuance and complexity in this rustic yet fascinating Croatian wine, that it takes a while to break down its components. Initial scents of dried leaves and mulch blow off to reveal an array of delicate floral and fruit aromas, accented by rich chocolate and vanilla notes. Big in both alcohol and structure, its massively tannic, but smoothes out with… — A.I. (5/1/2012)

Cramele Halewood 2009 Hyperion Limited Edition Feteasca Neagra (Dealu Mare)

Price $47

While sweet on the nose with aromas of blueberry preserves and fruitcake, the palate on this dry Romanian red is refreshingly restrained, with a fresh herbal tone that accents its ample fruit flavors. A fascinating study of the Feteasca Neagra grape, there’s a surprising amount of elegance that peeks through its initial rusticity. — A.I. (5/1/2012)

Cramele Halewood 2009 Kronos Limited Edition Pinot Noir (Dealu Mare)

Price $20

Delicate yet beguiling, with aromas of violets, ripe pomegranates and granite, there’s an Old World elegance that sets this Romanian Pinot Noir apart. The palate is concentrated, with crisp red cherry and plum flavors, but keenly balanced by brisk acidity and soft, finely-grained tannins. Structured and refined with a medium long finish. — A.I. (5/1/2012)

Kayra 2008 Vintage Single Vineyard Collecible Series #5 Öküzgözü (Elazig)

Cellar Selection

Price $20

Clean and bright on the nose, with loads of black plums and blueberries. This wine, made from Öküzgözü grapes, is an interesting glimpse into Turkish winemaking. Dry and medium bodied, with a firm tannic structure and brisk acidity, it finishes with a hint of milk chocolate flavor. Could benefit from decanting, but would be an interesting to age as well. — A.I. (5/1/2012)

Cramele Halewood 2009 Hyperion Limited Edition Cabernet Sauvignon (Dealu Mare)

Price $30

There’s a striking minerality that adds depth to varietally characteristic scents of ripe cassis, violets and cedar. Full bodied and densely concentrated, with sweet, black-fruit flavor, it’s balanced by brisk acidity and fresh herb flavors that linger on the finish. — A.I. (5/1/2012)

2009 Merry Edwards Klopp Ranch

Amazingly rich, offering deep, complex layers of cherries, black…

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