Published in November 2000
Wines, Spirits and Beers published in the November 2000 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
Clos du Val 1997 Vineyard Georges III Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford)
- $48
Impeccable fruit shines like a beacon. Opens with rich black-cherry and chocolate aromas, with beautifully poised earth and tobacco notes. In the mouth, the fruit speaks in sweet black-cherry and currant tones, and again, the tobacco accents pop up. Big, but refined; the mouthfeel is compelling; the full, even tannins portend a fine, long future.
— W.E.
(11/1/2000)
Leonetti Cellar 1998 Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))
- $50
If this isn’t the best $50 Merlot in the world, I don’t know what is. Dark, thick and jammy, with dense layers of fruit, spice and oak. Scents of sandalwood, coffee, mint, pepper and more, much more. In the mouth it offers a seamless, achingly rich mix of fruits, woods and spices. Big, rich, long and deep, it’s nonetheless best enjoyed right now, not cellared.
— P.G.
(11/15/2000)
Sherwin Family 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon (Spring Mountain)
- $65
Opens with blockbuster notes of blueberry, cassis, licorice, smoke and earth, all the while displaying great depth. Finely integrated cherry, herb, espresso, oak and soy flavors have that intense vitality that command attention. Full and well proportioned on the palate, the wine finishes long, with beautiful fruit and big but very even tannins.
— W.E.
(11/1/2000)
Iron Horse 1997 T-bar-T Benchmark Red (Sonoma County)
- $50
Full and plush, with complex aromas of cassis, cinnamon, earth, cedar, coffee and cream. Low in acidity, it is large in depth of fruit and flavor, with black currants, earth and coffee reigning on the palate and into the finish. A sensuous texture and long finish with soft tannins complete the pleasure package. Very approachable; drink now through 2008.
— W.E.
(11/1/2000)
Lail 1997 J. Daniel Cuvee Red (Napa Valley)
- $75
The complex nose, with its herb, tobacco, black-pepper and licorice elements, announces this stylish 64% Cabernet-36% Merlot blend. In the mouth it is big and ripe, with blackberry and licorice flavors, and fine acidity. Closes long and brisk, with large tannins and espresso and cherry flavors. Cellar for five or more years.
— W.E.
(11/1/2000)
Sterling 1997 Diamond Mountain Ranch Vyd Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
- $40
The big, very dark and inviting nose of ripe cherry, licorice, cocoa and toast sets things up. The dense palate is packed with cherry, tar, even bacon notes, and it has a plush, velvety feel that belies the wine’s structure. The impressive finish is dark and toasty, with well-dispersed tannins. Cellar two to four years.
— W.E.
(11/1/2000)
Hartwell 1997 Sunshine Vyd Cabernet Sauvignon (Stags Leap District)
- $95
The word "black" applies to a number of things here: cherry, coffee, currant. Cola is another part of the fabulous mix. Tons of polish, and creamy and rich. A palate-pleaser supreme; there’s a lot of class and breed here. Fine and fancy, with excellent weight. What more could you ask for?
— W.E.
(11/1/2000)
Dominus 1997 Estate Bottled Red (Napa Valley)
- $100
Deep berry, cinnamon, briar and mint aromas. Firm, even backwards, it is trim and elegant, yet solid. Black fruit and bitter-chocolate flavors abound. The finish is especially tight, with dry tannins and complex mineral and earth elements. Huge but refined, the quintessential iron fist in a velvet glove; it needs time.
— W.E.
(11/1/2000)
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