Published in April 2002
Wines, Spirits and Beers published in the April 2002 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
Rex Hill 1999 Jacob Hart Vineyard Pinot Noir
- $52
Some Pinots have a distinctly feminine character, and this graceful, elegant wine is a good example. Fine, ripe cherry fruit highlights a silky wine that smoothly rolls across the palate. Seamless and delicious, it concludes with soft tannins in a long finish. —P.G.
— P.G.
(4/1/2002)
Bethel Heights 1999 Estate Grown Chardonnay
- $15
This taut, steely Chardonnay, muscular and firm, tastes of stone, mineral, herb and citrus. It’s a complex, appealing mix, supported by vivid acids. Fine length and precise, elegant flavors with a light touch on the oak. This is high-wire Chardonnay. Best Buy. —P.G.
— P.G.
(4/1/2002)
Bilton 1999 Merlot (Stellenbosch)
- $18
A nose of flavorful, plummy fruit with clove accents pulls you right in to this winning medium-weight wine. The fruit reads rich and bright on the balanced, not-at-all-weighty palate, with its very smooth feel. Finishes with a long dance of ripe plum and sweet oak, a statement of fine fruit handsomely rendered that will drink well through 2005. —M.M.
— M.M.
(4/1/2002)
Genesis 1999 Shiraz (Stellenbosch)
- $25
Opens with a full, handsome nose displaying a vibrant spectrum of ripe berry cream, coffee, smoke, bacon and spice aromas. Evenly textured and not at all heavy, the palate offers similar flavors framed by judiciously used oak. Finishes with modest tannins and more smoky oak notes. It’s delicious if not terrifically deep. Drink now through 2004. —M.M.
— M.M.
(4/1/2002)
Warwick 1999 Old Bush Vines Pinotage (Stellenbosch)
- $17
Made of fruit from 27-year-old vines, this is built on a solid core of deep dark berry fruit nicely framed in toasty oak. The full, smooth palate is nuanced, showing plenty of character in its barnyard notes and accents of leather and bitter chocolate. Impressive Pinotage that closes with good length. Drink now through 2005. —M.M.
— M.M.
(4/1/2002)
Malan 2001 Family Vinters Sauvignon Blanc (Stellenbosch)
- Best Buy
- $8
Fragrant and very well-balanced, this opens with a grapefruit, grass and mild tropical fruit nose. It’s even and full on the tongue, with a ripe melon-spice palate. The long, smooth finish has a melony feel and tangerine hints. Shows fine Sauvignon Blanc character and avoids edgy, exaggerated herbaceousness. Best Buy. —M.M.
— M.M.
(4/1/2002)
Royal Oaks 1999 Aristocrat Red (Santa Ynez Valley)
- $18
From the warmer, inland part of the valley, this Bordeaux blend is dominated by Cabernet Franc. Herbs—rosemary, thyme and oregano—highlight the aroma, with a hint of berries. The flavors are much fruitier, and the acid-tannin balance is fine. —S.H.
— S.H.
(4/1/2002)
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