Editors' Choice
Editors' Choice wines are those that offer excellent quality at a price above our Best Buy range, or a wine at any price with unique qualities that merit special attention.
Carina Cellars 2001 Syrah (Santa Barbara County)
- Editors' Choice
- $16
The peppery aroma tells you this is a cool-climate Syrah. The tannins are rich and dense, with a mouthful of blackberry flavors. Delicious and complex.
— S.H.
(10/1/2003)
Whitcraft 2000 French Camp Vineyard Lagrein (San Luis Obispo County)
- Editors' Choice
- $20
Wins the darkest wine of the decade award. Absolutely black, except for a gleam of purple at the edge. Smells big, deep and oaky, with berry and chocolate scents. In the mouth, similar to Cabernet, with blackberry flavors and rich, thick tannins. Interesting as an alternative-type wine, and an ager. An ancient grape from the north of Italy and Austria
— S.H.
(8/1/2003)
Joseph Drouhin 2001 Chardonnay (Rully)
- Editors' Choice
- $22
This is an excellent value in white Burgundy, loaded with honey, tangerines and baked apples, even some tropical fruit and hints of clover, smoke and grilled nuts. Nicely balanced, and finishes long.
— J.C.
(10/1/2003)
Dow's 1997 LBV Porto
- Editors' Choice
- $18
You get a glimpse of the fine qualities of the 1997 vintage in this bottling, which displays lush black cherry and plum aromas and flavors against a backdrop of supple tannins and a velvety texture. The elements are well integrated, and the finish is long and fruity.
— J.C.
(11/15/2003)
Yangarra Estate Vineyard 2002 Old Vine Grenache (McLaren Vale)
- Editors' Choice
- $20
The old-vine designation will make more sense when you see how black and extracted the wine appears in the glass. Aromas are abyss-deep, with dust and black soil over dark fruit. The palate holds nothing but the purest blackberry, dressed up with some toast. Finishes with taut cherry. A solid, masculine wine.
— D.T.
(9/1/2004)
Segal's 2000 Special Reserve Merlot (Galilee)
- Editors' Choice
- Kosher
- $15
Segal’s hit it out of the park in 2000, delivering a Best Buy Special Reserve Cab, and this Merlot, which isn’t far behind. Cedar, black cherry and herb aromas lead into a supple, richly textured palate loaded with balanced coffee and black cherry flavors. Long and harmonious on the finish. Imported by Royal Wine Corporation.
— J.C.
(4/1/2005)
Elfenhof 1999 Eiswein Nebbiolo (Neusiedlersee-Hügelland)
- Editors' Choice
A fresh, delicate wine intense sweetness, this has flavors of crisp summer fruits along with a touch of honey and citrus acidity. It’s beautifully balanced and light.
— R.V.
(5/1/2004)
Montevina 2000 Terra d’Oro Barbera (Amador County)
- Editors' Choice
- $15
Pretty much as good as California Barbera gets, with the smooth, rich tannic texture of a fine Merlot and a good mèlange of berry-cherry, tobacco and herb flavors. Finishes dry and clean, with good acidity.
— S.H.
(6/1/2004)
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