Published in November 2000

Wines, Spirits and Beers published in the November 2000 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

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Lewis 1997 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Cellar Selection

Price $60

Complex aromas of cassis, dough, espresso, bacon, and cola create instant interest. It seduces with its rich dark fruit and earth flavors, and a concentrated, suave mouthfeel. Big flavors and tannins don’t quit on the long, even finish. Profoundly enjoyable, seamless and shows impeccable balance. Keep for five to seven years; it will last a long time. — W.E. (11/1/2000)

points

Joseph Phelps 1997 Insignia Red (Napa Valley)

Price $120

Opens with aromas of black cherry and pencil lead, fruitcake and cookie dough; now it’s all one big melange wrapped a bit tight. The balance and immense depth of fruit shine, even in this unevolved state. Standard dark-plum and chocolate notes are rendered with uncommon subtlety here. The finish goes on and on. Needs four to six years, but will last and last. — W.E. (11/1/2000)

points

Jones Family 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Price $75

Enormous aromatics of vanilla and chocolate, dark berries and spice cake. Yet it holds on to the subtle notes as well. An open palate with sweet-tart fruit and vanilla notes. The rich, round feel, the depth of fruit, and the velvety tannins nearly veil the solid structure. Finishes dry and long, with coffee and chocolate flavors. A newcomer with budding cult… — W.E. (11/1/2000)

points

Pine Ridge 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon (Stags Leap District)

Price $50

Very solid and deep, with a bouquet of delicious black-currant and dark-cherry fruit and toasty, buttery oak. Very comfortable mouthfeel. Full, with layered fruit and a long and elegant finish that sports big but not sharp tannins. Tight now; hold for three to six years. — W.E. (11/1/2000)

points

Cardinale 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon (Mount Veeder)

Price $125

The lovely bouquet of blackberry jam, oak with mint, cedar, and black olives draws you in. Broad and rich on the palate, with ample but fine tannins. Great depth of dark-berry fruit, with coffee and cedar shadings. The explosive finish just keeps going as intriguing sweet-tart fruit and bitter chocolate notes please all the way out. Best to hold six to nine years. — W.E. (11/1/2000)

points

Andrus 1997 Reserve Red (Napa Valley)

Price $125

Starts off with a classy bouquet of blackberry liqueur, coffee and nicely integrated oak. The fruit is very dense—almost overripe—but still delicious, with prune, dark chocolate and cocoa. Feels plush and suave on the tongue, and the juicy plum-cocoa finish goes on and on. Interesting, almost atypical in some ways, but harmonious and complete. — W.E. (11/1/2000)

points

Io 1997 Red (Santa Barbara County)

Editors' Choice

Price $40

A blend of mainly Syrah, with Grenache, Mourvèdre and Viognier. Opens with brilliant, beautiful aromas of berries and fruit, chocolate, violets, herbs and spices, and smoky oak. In the mouth, there's fabulous complexity and an opulent, velvety smooth texture. Very dry and elegant, and the sweet, spicy finish goes on forever. — S.H. (11/15/2000)

points

Iron Horse 1997 T Bar T Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma County)

Price $35

Great depth and purity of fruit. It shines with lovely violet and lavender accents. Very dark cassis, black plum, coffee and toasty oak flavors, with handsome herb and spice accents. The mouthfeel is excellent—big, but almost perfectly balanced between lush richness and solid tannic structure. A keeper needing four to six years. — W.E. (11/1/2000)

2007 Trump Brut SP Reserve

Rich and luscious scents of baked apple, dried pineapple, honeyed…

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