Published in October 1999

Wines, Spirits and Beers published in the October 1999 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

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Penfolds 1994 Grange Shiraz

Price $163

This wine, Australia’s most famous, is literally black. Aroma of sweet charred American oak dominates, with associated vanilla. Underneath is pepper, tobacco, spice and blackberry; complex and beautiful. Tremendous extract, marvelously thick like fruit purée, enormous and bone dry. The finish lasts forever. A huge, effusive wine that needs 15 years to settle down… — S.H. (10/1/1999)

points

Karl Lawrence 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Price $30

There’s a good chance you haven’t heard of this wine, but drop what you’re doing and try to track some down. Its brilliantly pure nose literally explodes from the glass and then gets better with time. Textured but not overdone, this is perfectly ripe Napa fruit from Rutherford and Howell Mountain brought to market with a masterful touch. Sublime vanilla and… — M.S. (10/1/1999)

points

Lane Tanner 1997 JK Vineyard Syrah (Santa Ynez Valley)

Price $20

Exceedingly fine aromas of cherry and smoke, with a perfume of smoked meat and peppery notes. Rich and fine, a star of the vintage, so round and complete. Delivers tiers of fruit but is wonderfully balanced. Almost Burgundian in its soft complexity. — S.H. (10/1/1999)

points

Dalla Valle 1997 Pietre Rosse Sangiovese (Napa Valley)

Price $30

A superb wine showing rich and concentrated black-cherry fruit leading toward a long, deep finish. The fruit is edged by chocolate, violets and whiffs of tobacco. If there is better Sangiovese made in California, I haven’t tasted it. — L.W. (10/1/1999)

points

Edmunds St John 1998 Alban/Durell Vineyards Viognier

Price $20

From two famed vineyards, this Rhône specialist has crafted a superb Viognier. Strikes a fascinating balance between the fruity, wildflower side and the mineral, herbal one. Gentle, complex and powerful. Stands out in any crowd. — S.H. (10/1/1999)

points

Calera 1997 Viognier (Mount Harlan)

Price $30

Very aromatic, with lots of tropical fruit, citrus, spice and lees notes. Intensely fruity and spicy, really sears the palate with flavor, like the essence of fruit, but bone dry. A wonderful, complex, powerful wine with a long, rich finish. — S.H. (10/1/1999)

points

Calera 1996 Chardonnay (Mount Harlan)

Price $38

Smells important. Impressively complex aromas of tropical fruit, oak, spice, lees and buttered toast; distinguished. Very spicy, buttery, creamy and fruity. Ultraclean, tight and nervous. Needs time. Very high quality. — S.H. (10/1/1999)

points

Ridge 1997 Chardonnay

Price $17

Anyone fond of power-packed, oaky California will go absolutely gaga over this gem from one of this country’s best wineries. Sweet vanilla, buttercream, bread dough and pronounced wood on the nose and an impressive flavor-to-body ratio make this an unbridled winner. Deft and flawless, this is a treat to drink. Filled with life, it will reward those who buy it by… — M.S. (10/1/1999)

2010 Pence Ranch Westslope

This is sourced from the winery's steepest and most wind-exposed blocks…

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