Published in February 2002

Wines, Spirits and Beers published in the February 2002 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

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Geoff Merrill 1996 Henley Shiraz

Cellar Selection

Price $100

Merrill’s new flagship red enters the top tier of Australian Shiraz, coming on strong with a nose of sweet toasty oak, a hint of cumin and peppery notes. The palate offers lots of dark, briary fruit, chocolate hints and the fine balance characteristic of all his best wines. Finishing long, this forward and delicious wine is already drinkable. It should last a… — W.E. (2/1/2002)

points

Grosset 2001 Polish Hill Riesling (Clare Valley)

Price $29

Penetrating aromas of apple blossom, peach and tarragon burst from the glass. The flavors are even more intense: Granny Smith apples, with softer, warmer, stone-fruit undercurrents. The finish boasts searingly tart flavors that last and last. Should age gloriously. — J.C. (2/1/2002)

points

Geoff Merrill 1995 Reserve Shiraz

Cellar Selection

Price $40

Layered, supple fruit and a lovely mouthfeel—ripe, but not flabby—really shine in this wine. Rich blackberry and plum flavors, impressive integration of fruit and oak mark the finely balanced palate. Closes long with very smooth tannins, dark chocolate and coffee flavors. It’s less structured but more seductive than the 1994. Drink now through 2008. Cellar Selection. — W.E. (2/1/2002)

points

Geoff Merrill 1995 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Cellar Selection

Price $35

Layered, lovely and admired by all, including Geoff, for its big, open bouquet of black and red berries, chocolate and a cool menthol-eucalyptus note. Lovely tart-sweet fruit shows on the palate, offset by mineral notes and tangy oak. Again, a fine sense of balance shows, and the wine closes long with crisp acidity and full tannins, promising plenty of life. Drinks… — W.E. (2/1/2002)

points

Lindemans 1998 Bin 9255 Semillon (Hunter Valley)

Price $16

Lushly aromatic, with scents of cream, vanilla, smoke and toast. Which might lead you to think it’s been aged in oak—but it hasn’t. Grapefruit, peach and cream flavors lead into a mouthwatering, lemony finish. It’s a bit austere on the palate yet; give it a few years in the cellar to round out. Best Buy. — J.C. (2/1/2002)

points

Foris 2000 Pinot Gris (Rogue Valley)

Best Buy

Price $13

Whatever magic Foris works with its Pinot Gris is wonderfully captured in this near-perfect effort. Vibrant and fruity, clean and forward, it is softly scented with fragrant pears and citrus zest. Somehow it is both big and rich, yet still elegant and balanced, with true varietal character. Best Buy. — P.G. (2/1/2002)

points

Mitchelton 2000 Airstrip White (Central Victoria)

Editors' Choice

Price $20

This could be taken for a white Burgundy—or big white Rhône, which is closer to actuality. Mild tropical fruit notes underlie the subtle apple, caramel and toast bouquet. It’s full, dry and rich, yet subdued, with nuanced pear, lemon and mineral flavors. Finishes long and tangy, with elegant oak accents. Drinks well now and should keep nicely through 2005. Editors’… — W.E. (2/1/2002)

points

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2000 Horse Heaven Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (Columbia Valley (WA))

Best Buy

Price $14

Another beautiful rendering of succulent Sauvignon Blanc from this premier vineyard, offering fresh, ripe fruit, scents of grapefruit, citrus peel, melon and lemon wax. There’s a nice, spicy lift to the palate, though thefinish is not quite as rich and extended as the incredible ’99. — P.G. (2/1/2002)

2010 Gauthier Rockin H Ranch Vineyards

Lots to like in this dry, smoothly tannic Pinot. It has complex berry…

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