Published in February 2000

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

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Corison 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Price $45

Smells very fine and pure. Classy black currants and toasty oak rule. Flavors are opulent, rich, ripe but very balanced. Gorgeous tannins; soft and accessible. Defines style and grace. — S.H. (2/1/2000)

points

Plumpjack 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville)

Price $44

Another winner from this Getty-affiliated winery. Has classic black-currant and cedar aromas, with a sharp streak of well-charred oak. Exceptionally pure and balanced; an example of impeccable winemaking. A little austere now, but really fine quality. Hold for a few years. — S.H. (2/1/2000)

points

Galante 1997 Blackjack Pasture Cabernet Sauvignon (Carmel Valley)

Price $40

Has the purest, ripest black-currant and berry aromas of the Galante Cabs, and a healthy dose of toasty oak. Tastes very dense and concentrated. The fruit isn’t massive, but instead is very focused and streamlined, and the tannins are lush and fine. An ager. — S.H. (2/1/2000)

points

Steele 1998 Parmalee-Hill Vineyard Chardonnay (Sonoma Valley)

Price $26

Has intense, fine citrus and tropical-fruit aromas. Generously dosed with smoky oak. Drinks remarkably concentrated and intense, with huge spicy extract and great depth of flavor. Extremely complex, with a long, strong finish. — S.H. (2/1/2000)

points

Steele 1997 Goodchild Vineyard Chardonnay (Santa Barbara County)

Price $24

Riper and more boldly flavored than the Parmalee-Hill Vineyard bottling, with masses of tropical-fruit aromas and flavors. Voluptuous and buttery. Amazing depth of flavor and complexity, it’s sheer deliciousness. — S.H. (2/1/2000)

points

B.R. Cohn 1997 Reserve Joseph Herman Vyd Chardonnay (Carneros)

Price $24

There’s plenty to say about this blue-chip Chard—all of it good. Start with the toasty, pear-filled, creamy nose that turns nicely bready. Next is the smooth, round, weighty palate. If you like a long, complex finish, this has it. Overall, a special wine that’s solid as a rock, with lots of personality. — M.S. (2/1/2000)

points

Stony Hill 1997 Chardonnay (Napa Valley)

Price $24

Young, with apple, peach and anise notes. Tight, elegant, remarkably fresh and lively, it’s steely and clean. Has great balance and intensity. Stony Hill’s Chards are among the longest-lived in the state, and this very fine wine from a great vintage should improve for years, possibly decades. — S.H. (2/1/2000)

points

De Loach 1998 Barbieri Ranch Zinfandel (Russian River Valley)

Price $22

One of a series of single-vineyard Russian River Valley Zins from this winery. Medium color, with beautiful berry, chocolate and plum aromas. Fabulous extract and complexity, it’s ready to drink now. — S.H. (2/1/2000)

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