Published in Mid November 1999

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

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Jim Barry 1996 The Armagh Red (Clare Valley)

Price $75

The structure may be massive, but the tannins are ripe and soft, and the fruit concentration is amazing. An explosive nose of black cherries and plums, as well as oriental spices and vanilla. The richness and depth of flavor are spectacular. The finish is long and the flavors fully delineated. — W.E. (11/15/1999)

points

Ramey 1996 Chardonnay (Carneros)

Price $65

A fabulous first Chardonnay under his own name by winemaker David Ramey (previously of Chalk Hill, Matanzas Creek, Dominus and elsewhere). Smoky and intriguing fruit. Rich mouthfeel, beautiful texture and balance. Very flavorful, but more than that, it shows tremendous nuance and subtlety. Sensuous and profound. — W.E. (11/15/1999)

points

Paul Jaboulet Aîné 1997 La Chapelle Red (Hermitage)

Price $100

A wine that sells for around $100 a value? Yes, when it has the pedigree of La Chapelle and the intensity of this particular wine. The best wine to come from Jaboulet since the awe-inspiring 1990. And yes, in these days of newly released $250+ first-growth Bordeaux, a value. — W.E. (11/15/1999)

points

Capezzana 1995 Ghiaie della Furba Sangiovese (Toscana)

Price $53

Simply a splendid Super Tuscan that offers absolutely everything, and more. At 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 30% each of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, you could say Bordeaux has come to Tuscany with fine credentials. Rustic and full, with layers of clear, chewy fruit. Call it a 1% wine, meaning it is better than 99% of everything else. — M.S. (11/15/1999)

points

Storybook Mountain 1997 Eastern Exposures Zinfandel (Napa Valley)

Price $25

A touch of Viognier ignites a pretty, seductive nose with spicy fruit and cocoa, as well as raspberry and mineral notes. As it unfolds the wine displays enormous complexity, with tart currant and cranberry fruit leading into a tight, sharp, brightly etched finish. It’s one of the rare Zins that can stake a legitimate claim to tasting of terroir. — P.G. (11/15/1999)

points

Apollonio 1997 Red (Copertino)

Price $10

One of the most satisfying wines I have had in a long time. A blend of Negro-amaro (80%) and four other red grapes crafted by the brothers Apollonio in southern Italy. Deep red with aromas of ripe black cherries, nutmeg and leather. An extraordinary wine that could probably sell in the $25 range. — W.E. (11/15/1999)

points

Beringer 1997 Sbragia - Limited Release Chardonnay (Napa Valley)

Price $40

Ed Sbragia has been crafting the wines at Beringer for a long time, and this is his signature Chardonnay. A complex, perfumed nose of apples, earth, hazelnuts and spices makes you linger before drinking. Full-bodied yet elegant and impeccably balanced, the wine coats the palate with apple, spice and toasty oak flavors. The finish is beautiful. I’d want my name on… — M.M. (11/15/1999)

points

Flora Springs 1996 Trilogy Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Price $45

Extremely complex aromas of black currants, violets, oak, cedar, and, yes, Rutherford dust. Very fine and complete, really classy, and already generous. Velvety and complex. These days, this is a relative bargain for a wine of this quality. There’s a lot of Merlot in the blend, but I felt compelled to include it anyway. — W.E. (11/15/1999)

2009 Mira Hyde Vineyard

The esteemed Hyde Vineyard is in Carneros, and is the source for some…

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