Published in the Year's Best 1999

Wines, Spirits and Beers published in the the Year's Best 1999 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

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Truchard 1996 Merlot (Carneros)

Price $26

A rich and silky Merlot with ripe raspberry fruit dusted with chocolate and a whiff of black pepper. Long, elegant finish. A wine for today, but you might want to save some and check it out in five years. — L.W. (12/31/1999)

points

B.R. Cohn 1996 Olive Hill Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma Valley)

Price $35

This is serious Cabernet at a reasonable price from a consistent vineyard and producer. It has pretty black-currant and cherry aromas, and a vibrant, fruity delicacy reminiscent of sweet ripe cherries. Rounds off with a spicy, dry finish. Lots of personality and terroir. Almost always one of the top Cabs out of Sonoma County. — W.E. (12/31/1999)

points

Faiveley 1995 Red (Pommard)

Price $48

Rich roasted coffeebean, plum, leather, animal, earth, and oak scents. Marvelous complexity, very fine, dry , with earthy, coffee and spicy flavors. Voluptuous and interesting wine; will age. — S.H. (12/31/1999)

points

Chappellet 1997 Moelleux Chenin Blanc (Napa Valley)

Price $40

. Initially the ripe pineapple aromas seem a bit muted, but on the palate the pineapple comes through strong and shaded with dried apricots. A long, moderately acidic finish caps off a very enjoyable dessert wine. — J.C. (12/31/1999)

points

M. Cosentino 1997 Oakville Estate Merlot (Napa Valley)

Price $75

A powerful and rounded Merlot with huge flavors nicely balanced by firm tannins and well-integrated oak. This wine should not be confused with the growing number of bubble-gum Merlots coming out of California. The finish is long and layered, with concentrated, ripe fruit. Should improve over the next five years. — W.E. (12/31/1999)

points

Stags' Leap Winery 1997 Merlot (Napa Valley)

Price $30

A silky, inviting wine with lush fruit centered on black cherries and red plums, with a hint of blackberry and a sprinkling of chocolate and spice. The finish is long and rich, with echoes of the opening fruit. — W.E. (12/31/1999)

points

B.R. Cohn 1997 Olive Hill Estate Vyds Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma Valley)

Price $38

Classy dark-berry fruit with nicely integrated oak, graham cracker and cedar-menthol accents comprise the inviting bouquet. Even in its presently compressed and tight state it shows a lovely mouthfeel with blackberry and chocolate notes. An even, tannic finish with coffee and spice notes closes things out. Hold until 2003. — W.E. (12/31/1999)

points

Shafer 1997 Merlot (Napa Valley)

Price $35

Winemaker Elias Fernandez has created a beauty with this blend of 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s round and rich, with juicy black-cherry fruit. The finish is long and luscious, with soft tannins and lingering layers of flavor. — L.W. (12/31/1999)

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