Published in August 2001

Wines, Spirits and Beers published in the August 2001 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

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Oakford 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville)

Cellar Selection

Price $100

Flashy oak and deep, pure blackcurrants show from the first whiff, and the purple color stains the sides of the glass in this wine with enough glycerine to float the Sixth Fleet. Doesn’t disappoint on the palate, with ripe blackberry flavors and gorgeous, velvety tannins. Closes long, with a sweet, richly-fruited finish. Cellar Selection. — S.H. (8/1/2001)

points

Von Othegraven 1999 Kanzemer Altenberg Auslese Riesling (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer)

Cellar Selection

Price $50

The juice here comes from old vines from the steepest portion of the Altenberg slope. Still quite young, showing a hint of diesel with some botrytis as well. Clean, slatey, unbelievably intense bouquet with dense floral, citrus rind, and mineral scents. The fruit is ripe, full, perfectly harmonious and long. It finishes with just a kiss of honey. Delicious right… — W.E. (8/1/2001)

points

Terre Rouge 1999 Enigma White

Editors' Choice

Price $18

Opens with very attractive and complex aromas of white peach, apricot and smoke. The tremendous flavors show layers of fruit and spice that just roll off the palate. Still, this Rhone blend of Marsanne, Viognier, and Roussanne is quite dry, with terrific structure and intricate detail. Editors’ Choice. — S.H. (8/1/2001)

points

Domdechant Werner 1999 Hochheimer Domdechaney Beerenauslese Riesling (Rheingau)

Price $126

Simply gorgeous aromas of honey, apricots and tangerines are echoed on the palate, where the wine is full, rich and sweet without seeming overly heavy. The moderate levels of acidity provide adequate balance now, but may prove too low for extended aging; that’s okay, because it’s so good now. Probably best over the next 5–10 years. — W.E. (8/1/2001)

points

Rocca delle Macìe 1997 Roccato Sangiovese (Toscana)

Editors' Choice

Price $25

From the cherry, violet and tobacco nose through the full-flavored palate, this wine hits the right notes. The flavors follow the aromas, the finish is long and polished, with firm, ultrafine tannins. Inviting now, it will really shine after 2003. Editors’ Choice. — W.E. (8/1/2001)

points

Quail Ridge 1997 Volker Eisele Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Price $45

This dark, brooding young pup is gorgeous now and will only get better. Toasty oak dominates the nose, masking ripe blackberry fruit. It really sings in the mouth, with a blast of fruit and spice, and dry, lacy tannins. It’s soft enough to drink tonight, but will hold well. — S.H. (8/1/2001)

points

Rocca delle Macìe 1997 Ser Gioveto Cabernet Sauvignon (Toscana)

Cellar Selection

Price $30

This wine is big and burly, yet also velvety, with cassis and dark tea and tobacco aromas and flavors. There’s plenty of black fruit, licorice and cocoa—all wrapped in toasty oak—and the fine fruit-acid-tannin balance here portends a long life. Hold for four years; will keep a long time. Cellar Selection. — W.E. (8/1/2001)

points

Dr. Bürklin-Wolf 1998 Ruppertsberger Gaisbohl Spätlese Trocken Riesling (Pfalz)

Cellar Selection

Price $37

This 14-acre monopole is Dr. B-W’s top property. The wine has big fruit, but is still tight, with interlaced layers of pineapple, lime and mineral with a waxy note. Extremely concentrated and rich, with a slightly viscous mouthfeel, it’s a baby that’s impressive for its vigor, density and superbly balanced weight. Talk about structure—after two days, it showed even… — W.E. (8/1/2001)

2010 Bogle Old Vine

What a delicious Zin this is. Sourced from the warm climates of Lodi and…

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