Published in June 2000

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

Sort By:

DeLille Cellars 1997 Chaleur Estate Red (Yakima Valley)

Price $40

The winery set out some years back to make a Washington equivalent of classified Bordeaux, and no one has come closer. Winemaker Chris Upchurch captures the lead pencil/cigarbox nuances of Pauillac, and uses the deep, dark, slightly bitter black-cherry fruit to full advantage. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this may well be the best wine… — W.E. (6/1/2000)

points

La Crema 1997 Reserve Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)

Price $27

Rich aromas of apple fruit with toasty vanillin oak and earthy notes. Fat and full on the palate, with creamy butterscotch flavors and smoky edges. Long, crème brûlée finish. — W.E. (6/1/2000)

points

DeLille Cellars 1997 Harrison Hill Red (Yakima Valley)

Price $40

What is Harrison Hill, and why does it cost so much? One of the oldest (planted in ’62) vineyards in Washington, it includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot vines, all of which are used in this blend. Along with the cassis, black cherry and sweet chocolate/bitter coffee flavors one might expect from a high-end Washington red, there is an indefinable… — P.G. (6/1/2000)

points

Foxen 1998 Chardonnay (Santa Maria Valley)

Price $20

Full and elegant. Bouquet of apple and pear fruit, with pine-needle, tropical fruit and an almost Alsatian touch of petrol. Butterscotch, cinnamon/clove, and herb notes grace the core of pear-flavored fruit. From the start to the strong finish, it’s an interesting, and successful, blend of sweet and sour elements. — W.E. (6/1/2000)

points

Columbia Crest 1998 Reserve Ice Wine Sémillon (Columbia Valley (WA))

Price $28

Thick, viscous wine, with a rich butterscotch center and layers of tropical fruit. Rich, ripe, hot and heavy; a stunning success. — P.G. (6/1/2000)

points

McCrea 1998 Elerding Vineyard Chardonnay (Yakima Valley)

Price $28

Deep green gold, with fat, buttery scents dominating. Definitely a style to please oak and butter lovers, but McCrea keeps the acids up and manages to showcase the ripe, apple/citrus fruit. A showstopper. — P.G. (6/1/2000)

points

DeLille Cellars 1998 Chaleur Estate White (Columbia Valley (WA))

Price $23

A Bordeaux-style blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon using grapes from one of Washington’s oldest vineyards. Rich, complex and creamy, it seduces from the first sniff. Flavors mingle peaches and apricots, citrus and stone, vanilla and toast-in a seamless display of elegance and persistent power. — W.E. (6/1/2000)

points

Burgess 1998 Chardonnay (Napa Valley)

Price $18

Understated, but powerful, with deep apple-pear fruit and very seductive spice notes. Smooth mouthfeel with classy dried-fruit, herb and vanilla flavors. Long finish. Well defined, with a sophisticated feel. — W.E. (6/1/2000)

2008 PerryMoore Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard

This is a lush, heady wine that’s full bodied and dry, with massive…

(Sponsored)