Published in September 2001

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

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Antinori 1997 Solaia Red (Toscana)

Editors' Choice

Price $115

Top-echelon, with a stunning purity and depth of layered fruit both sensuous and intellectually appealing. The dark cherry and plum core is oak-enveloped with rarely seen seamlessness, while the big but supple mouthfeel belies the wine’s profound power and structure. A classic effort marked by perfect fruit-to-acid balance, firm, refined tannins and a seemingly… — W.E. (9/1/2001)

points

Temple Bruer 1998 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Langhorne Creek)

Editors' Choice

Price $16

This lush, full-throttle Cab is organically grown and includes 14% Petite Verdot. Intense mint, chocolate and blueberry aromas waft out of the glass. It’s firm and tightly structured, but at once evenly textured and mouthfilling. Layers of tobacco, more mint, leather, chocolate and blueberry flavors coat the palate. Hardy tannins will soften with cellaring, but the… — J.F. (9/1/2001)

points

Antinori 1997 Tignanello Sangiovese (Toscana)

Cellar Selection

Price $80

Reticent at first, the elements show their complexity and depth with time. Full and very dark, this offers plenty of black cherry and cedar aromas and flavors offset by impressive licorice and Mouton-like pencil-lead notes. Smooth on the palate, showing great balance and integration, the ripe fruit here sings through the long finish with its soft tannins, good grip… — W.E. (9/1/2001)

points

Monti 1999 Barbera (Barbera d'Alba)

Price $37

Barbera has an uneven record, but the best can be quite impressive, and this is a fine example. From the opening notes to the long finish, it offers loads of cherry, spice and vanilla. Well-balanced, with medium body, soft tannins and good acid, this handsomely crafted wine should provide great drinking over the next two to six years. — M.N. (9/1/2001)

points

Sterling 1998 Diamond Mountain Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Editors' Choice

Price $38

A complex nose of earth, saddle leather, toast and cigar-box notes opens this impressive Cabernet. The deep cassis fruit wears tobacco and olive shadings. Beautifully balanced and classically structured, it finishes long with substantial but even tannins and blackberry and chocolate flavors. Editors’ Choice. — W.E. (9/1/2001)

points

Ceretto 1997 Bricco Rocche Nebbiolo (Barolo)

Price $147

Already complex, this cru Barolo from Ceretto is packed with exotic aromas and flavors that range from pipe tobacco, cedar and cherries to tar, earth and mushrooms. A licorice or tarragon note pulls it all together. This is a full yet balanced wine that should age well for a couple of decades. — W.E. (9/1/2001)

points

Ceretto 1997 Prapo Nebbiolo (Barolo)

Price $74

Dried roses highlight the nose, followed by aromas of red berries, plums and mushrooms. Full-bodied and rich, this delivers layers of ripe fruit that turn chocolatey on the finish, where firm tannins take hold. Should be long-lived; try this Ceretto wine in 2010 or beyond. — W.E. (9/1/2001)

points

Feudi di San Gregorio 1997 Serpico Aglianico (Campania)

Cellar Selection

Price $60

The flagship of the Feudi fleet, this powerful wine is 70% Aglianico and 30% Merlot, Shiraz and Piedirosso. The wine is complex from the start with cherry, plum, chocolate, black pepper and toasted oak. With standing, even more nuances appear. On the palate, it is rich and robust—the tannins just need a little softening. The persistent finish replicates the initial… — M.N. (9/1/2001)

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